12 nabbed after bomoh syndicate cons victims of RM600,000

 The victims were persuaded to hand over cash or jewellery supposedly for prayers, incantations or religious rituals.

Sabah deputy police commissioner Azhar Hamin said the syndicate was uncovered after police arrested 12 people in several raids in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Keningau and Kota Belud. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

A bomoh syndicate in Sabah offering services to ward off bad luck and predict fortunes is believed to have duped victims into parting with cash and jewellery amounting to about RM600,000.

The syndicate, which had been operating since early this year, was uncovered after police arrested 12 people, including seven Chinese nationals, in several raids in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Keningau and Kota Belud on Saturday and Sunday, reported Buletin TV3.

Sabah deputy police commissioner Azhar Hamin said the syndicate’s modus operandi involved offering assistance related to traditional medicine, treatment of diseases or religious rituals to ward off bad luck.

Azhar said the suspects would then introduce a woman who claimed to be able to tell fortunes, provide treatment, or perform certain rituals before persuading victims to hand over cash or jewellery.

“The victims were persuaded to hand over cash or jewellery supposedly for prayers, incantations or religious rituals.

The money or jewellery would then be taken or replaced with other items placed in plastic bags or other bags,” he said.

The case is being investigated for cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code. - FMT