Gold shop supervisor pawns RM176,200 in gold bars for cryptocurrency, gets 16 months’ jail

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 - A former gold shop supervisor, 33-year-old Koh Mun Hoe, received a 16-month jail sentence and a cane whipping for embezzling three gold bars worth RM176,200 and using the money for cryptocurrency trading. The court also announced that Koh will face additional sentencing for a separate charge of embezzling a gold chain valued at RM57,840.82.

The crimes took place in a gold shop in Cheras between June 4 and June 8, 2023. Judge Azrul Darus imposed concurrent sentences for both charges, while Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Zul Hilmi Latif called for a stern sentence, citing Koh's lack of prior criminal record. Koh pleaded guilty to the charges, mentioning his two young children, a recent divorce, and the need to care for his elderly parents. A sentencing date of September 22 has been set for the gold chain charge.