MELAKA – Police have busted the largest syndicate involved in selling and counterfeiting letters conferring fake Melaka awards and medals carrying the Datuk and Datuk Seri titles, as well as Justice of the Peace titles, following the arrest of two masterminds and 32 individuals.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said the suspects were nabbed in a series of raids under a special operation from February 22 to March 29 around Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
The suspects, aged between 26 and 70, are believed to be involved as masterminds, middlemen and buyers of the fake awards, offered at between RM50,000 and RM100,000 each, he told a press conference at his office at Seri Negeri here today.
“The raids were conducted based on information received from the public. The syndicate, masterminded by two men in their 40s, is believed to have been active since the middle of last year, and aided by several middlemen who acted as promoters and sellers.
“The two masterminds were arrested at a house in Melaka Tengah that was used to print the letters, while the fake medals and sashes were ordered from illegal suppliers overseas.”
He said the syndicate’s modus operandi is to target businessmen and promote its activities through contacts before ordering the fake items.
“Melaka police seized various items, among them eight fake award letters, eight fake Justice of Peace letters, 13 sashes and 21 medals.
“Also seized were two fake membership cards, 168 sets of Datuk car emblems, seven sets of Justice of the Peace car emblems, and computer equipment.”
State police have opened an investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, he said.
The case is also being investigated under Sections 3(1)(a) and 3(1)(b) of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Enactment A21 of the state enactment.
Sulaiman said the two masterminds will be charged at the Ayer Keroh sessions court tomorrow.
Present at the presser was state police chief Datuk Abdul Majid Mohd Ali. – Bernama, August 11, 2021
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