MORE than 60 Criminal Breach of Trust (CBT) cases involving lawyers have been recorded since 2022, resulting in losses amounting to approximately RM66 million, according to the police.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf stated that 29 cases were recorded in 2022, leading to losses of RM13 million.
"Last year, the number surged to 31 cases, with losses totalling RM33.3 million, and we anticipate the number of cases will continue to rise," he said during a press conference at the CCID headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
For this year, as of July, 27 cases have been recorded, with losses amounting to RM20,377,787.35.
“Anyone engaging with lawyers, particularly in substantial financial matters, is advised to regularly monitor the status of their funds to prevent such incidents,” he cautioned.
This month, the police have recorded two CBT cases involving lawyers in Johor and Selangor.
"On 6th August, we received a report from a 51-year-old man who alleged that a legal firm had deceived him regarding the management of a company service fee payment.
"Then, on 8th August, Selangor police received a report from a 72-year-old man who claimed he had been defrauded by a law firm in a land sale deal," Ramli added.
Both cases are being investigated under Section 409 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust.
“Loopholes that enable dishonesty within the legal profession must be promptly addressed,” Ramli emphasised.
He said his department is optimistic and fully prepared to cooperate in tackling the issue. – August 13, 2024.
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