Photo shows the Kota Kinabalu Court Complex. — Bernama photo
KOTA KINABALU (June 8): A total of 15 Chinese nationals claimed trial in the Magistrates’ Court here to separate charges of agreeing with each other in conspiracy to dishonestly induce their victims into believing that there was an investment scheme.
Seven cases were heard before Magistrate Dzul Elmy Yunus while the other eight cases were before Magistrate Marilyn Kelvin.
The 15 accused allegedly committed the offences at a room of a hotel here at 10pm on May 21.
They were charged under Section 120B (1) of the Penal Code for criminal conspiracy, which provides for a jail term of up to five years, or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
The 15 accused, aged between 21 and 35, will have their cases further mentioned on June 12.
In the meantime, they will be further detained in custody, pending disposal of their cases.
The 15 accused were represented by counsels Shahlan Jufri and Mohd Luqman Syazwan Zabidi.
Separately in the Sessions Court here, the 15 accused were also charged with overstaying in Sabah.
Judge Hurman Hussain fixed June 12 to re-mention the said cases.
He also ordered the prosecution to verify whether seals on the accused persons’ passports were genuine.
Hurman will also hear submissions from both the prosecution and defence counsel for bail, if any, on the same date.
Deputy public prosecutors Bryan Francis and Akaash Singh appeared for the prosecution.
