Giovanni Jacopo Casanova was an Italian man in the 18th century whose fame bordered on seducing many women.

A local casanova, through messaging application WeChat, sobbed his way into the hearts of three young women before fleecing them of more than RM40,000 in cash and jewellery.

Initial police investigations revealed the man, in his 20s, has been operating actively in Seberang Perai and Kepala Batas here since the beginning of the year.

Using different names, the man who was described as slick and suave, was always on the move to avoid police detection.

Penang Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief ACP Azmi Adam said the victims were factory workers in their 20's.

He said according to the three women who lodged separate reports against the alleged casanova, sob stories were his forte.

"The women told the police the man, who was stylish and charming in appearance, would use sob stories to gain their sympathy and trust.

"He would make all kinds of assurances to the women, including a promise to marry the victims who were also taken out sightseeing on several occasions.

"Once he gained their trust, the man would borrow money or jewellery from the women, on the pretext of having to settle some debts," Azmi told a press conference here on Wednesday.

He said the three women lodged separate police reports since last week after they were conned by the man.

He urged those with information on the man to contact investigating officer Insp Syafiq Shaidin at 04-5762222.