August 2, 2023
KUALA LUMPUR – More than 15 gold suppliers suffered an estimated RM30mil in losses after they were duped by a goldsmith, says MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong.
The victims were not paid by the suspect after they supplied gold worth millions of ringgit.
One of the victims, Allan Tang, said he had been dealing with the suspect for the past two years.
“At first, he made prompt payments as the amount of gold ordered was not that substantial.
“On Jan 9, he ordered gold worth RM569,170 for his shop. The gold was delivered and the goldsmith said he would pay within a few hours.
“However, until the next day there was no payment and the goldsmith claimed he had no money and the gold was gone,” he told a press conference at Wisma MCA yesterday.
Tang, 32, went to the suspect’s shop on Jan 10 and discovered it was closed down.
“He was already owing me RM447,554 from a previous sale so in total I suffered RM1.01mil in losses.
“I have already lodged two police reports,” he said.
Another victim, Loi Chong Soon, 52, said the suspect owed his gold supplying company RM1.5mil.
“On Jan 10, the suspect claimed he was scammed and unable to pay the sum owned. He promised to obtain a loan to settle the debt but until today, no payments have been received.
“He even asked me not to lodge a police report, but I still went ahead and lodged two police reports,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chong said the suspect’s goldsmith shops in Shah Alam were registered under his brother’s name as he had been declared bankrupt.
“I believe he has duped more than 15 victims. One of them even suffered RM11mil in losses.
“I would not be surprised if this man has amassed more than RM30mil in gold based on this scam,” he said.
Chong said he would inform Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan on the matter and hoped the police would expedite the investigation on these cheating cases.
“We hope the victims will get justice with the culprit apprehended.
“We also urge others to be wary when making such business deals. Verify the authenticity of those you are in business with,” he said.