Paid to remove bad luck, lost a fortune instead: Police say ritual scam cost Sabah victims RM600,000

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 14 — Sabah police have arrested 12 individuals, comprising seven Chinese women, in connection with a scam that has allegedly cost victims around RM600,000. State Detective Chief Datuk Mohd Azhar Hamin revealed that the suspects are believed to be part of a syndicate operating since early this year. Police made the arrests during raids in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Keningau, and Kota Belud over the weekend.

The syndicate allegedly offered services like fortune-telling, traditional treatments, and rituals aimed at removing bad luck, as reported by the Sabah Police Commercial Crime Investigation Department. According to Mohd Azhar, the suspects approached victims by offering traditional medicine, treatment for illnesses, or rituals to remove bad luck.

They would then introduce another woman who claimed the ability to tell fortunes, provide treatment, or perform rituals. Victims were persuaded to give cash or jewelry, ostensibly for prayers, incantations, or rituals. The suspects then allegedly took the money or jewelry away or replaced it with other items inside a plastic bag.

The syndicate is suspected to be linked to at least five or six reported cases since early this year, with total losses estimated at RM600,000. The cases are currently under investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code.