Malaysia's 'Catch Me If You Can' Con Artist Arrested After Being On The Run For 6 Years
From impersonating a deputy public prosecutor to a pilot, the 44-year-old suspect has been swindling money for 23 years.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 04 Oct 2024, 06:02 PM
A Malaysian con artist, reminiscent of the cunning protagonist played by Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You Can, has been arrested after being on the run for the past six years
According to Harian Metro, the suspect is a 44-year-old man who swindled millions of ringgit by impersonating various professionals, including a deputy public prosecutor, an Airbus pilot, a PETRONAS engineer, and a rugby coach.
"The suspect is an eloquent speaker who can easily convince his victims to enter into deals with him.
"Most of his victims were deceived because the suspect presented himself confidently. He demonstrated knowledge of the professions and subject matter, and facts related to them," a source told the Malay daily.
One of his tactics involved posing as a pilot, claiming he could secure commercial pilot's licences and jobs for his victims.
"He seemed to know everything and could become whoever he wanted, which led victims to believe him and hand over their money," the source shared.
The movie poster for 'Catch Me If You Can,' which tells the story of real-life conman Frank Abagnale Jr.
Image via IMDbThe source added that the suspect had prior arrest records in Perak, Johor, and Pahang
His crimes can be traced back to 2001, and a police manhunt for him was launched in 2018.
He was finally arrested in Ampang, Selangor, on Tuesday night, 2 October, revealed Bukit Aman crime investigation department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf.
The swindler was arrested for his involvement in a pilot's licence scam that caused a loss of RM20,400.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
He will also be probed under multiple provisions under the same law for impersonating a civil servant, theft, and deceiving the victim to hand over property for other cases.
Ramli stated that the suspect also has a history of scams involving the sale of electrical goods, tractors, and helicopter parts, among other items.
Bukit Aman crime investigation department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf.
Image via Harian Metro