9 Chinese Nationals Charged In Malaysia Face Up To 10 Years’ Jail And Whipping

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Nine Chinese nationals have been charged at a magistrate's court in Penang over their alleged involvement in a love scam syndicate

If convicted, they each face between one and 10 years' imprisonment, whipping, and a fine.

The nine accused — Ye Binyu, 32; Yang Jie, 34; Xiang Hanghang, 33; Lin Zhixu, 30; Zhang Peng, 30; Huang Shihong, 31; Tan Qiao, 22; Tan Bo, 26; and Li Mingrui, 27 — pleaded not guilty when they were brought before Magistrate Chia Huey Ting at the Balik Pulau Magistrate's Court earlier today. 21 July.

According to the New Straits Times, the nine allegedly agreed among themselves to deceive victims as part of a criminal conspiracy linked to a love scam operation.

The alleged offence took place at a unit in Muze PICC Condominium along Persiaran Mahsuri in Sungai Nibong Kecil, Bayan Lepas, at around 6.10pm on 1 July.

They were charged under Section 120B(1) of the Penal Code for criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable under Section 420 of the Penal Code.

If found guilty, they face between one and 10 years in prison, whipping, and may also be fined.

They were allowed bail at RM8,000 each

Deputy public prosecutor Ikmal Affandi Zulkifli initially asked the court to set bail at RM10,000 for each accused with two Malaysian sureties.

However, defence counsel Ahmad Luthfillah Hadi Ahmad sought a lower amount, telling the court that all nine had entered Malaysia as tourists and held permanent jobs in China.

He said they earned between 3,000 yuan and 5,000 yuan a month (about RM1,800 to RM3,000), had no relatives in Malaysia to help post bail, and were willing to surrender their passports.

The lawyer argued that bail should only be enough to ensure the accused return to court, rather than act as a form of punishment.

Magistrate Chia ultimately set bail at RM8,000 each with two Malaysian sureties.

The court also ordered all nine accused to surrender their passports and report to a police station once a month until the case is concluded.

All nine posted bail, and the court fixed 27 August for document submission.