THE foreign man who alleged he was extorted by individuals believed to be police officers has been identified as a wanted suspect in China in connection with fraud investigations, according to Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus.
Fadil said checks conducted through the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) confirmed that the man is on China's wanted list.
He added that further investigations also found that the individual is not a citizen of Vanuatu as previously claimed, but is believed to be a Chinese national.
"In addition, there are doubts over the passport produced by the individual, as the document states that he was born in Pontianak, Indonesia.
"This differs from INTERPOL records, which indicate that his place of birth is in China," he said in a statement on Monday night.
Last Friday, 12 police officers of various ranks were reported to have been arrested over allegations that they extorted RM2 million from a man claiming to be a Vanuatu national.
According to sources, the man was allegedly released only after paying US$140,000 (RM560,000), before lodging a police report at the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters.
Those arrested included officers holding the ranks of Deputy Superintendent (DSP) and Assistant Superintendent (ASP), who are assisting with investigations.
Bukit Aman's Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS) has also opened a disciplinary investigation paper against the 12 officers suspected of involvement in the alleged extortion.
Fadil said that based on the latest information obtained, police arrested the complainant together with two women — one a Chinese national and the other a Thai national — at about 1.30am on Sunday.
He said they are being investigated under Section 12(1)(b) of the Passports Act 1966, as well as Sections 6(1)(c) and 56(1)(l) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for offences relating to travel and immigration documents.
However, he said the complainant's companion, a Thai national, was released after checks by the Immigration Department of Malaysia confirmed that her travel documents were valid.
"A 14-day remand order, from yesterday until 9 August, has been obtained for two individuals — the complainant and his girlfriend, a Chinese national — to facilitate further investigations.
"The case remains under investigation and will be referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further instructions," he said.
Fadil also confirmed that police have detained a total of 15 officers believed to be linked to the case. However, all have since been released on police bail after initial investigation procedures were completed. - July 28, 2026
