MELAKA: Police have busted the largest syndicate involved in the selling and counterfeiting of letters conferring fake Melaka state awards and medals which carry the titles of "Datuk" and "Datuk Seri" 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 all the suspects were arrested in a series of raids through a special operation from Feb 22 to March 29 around Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
He said all those arrested, aged between 26 and 70, were believed to have been involved as the masterminds, middlemen and buyers of fake Melaka state awards, medals and honorary titles which are offered at between RM50,000 and RM100,000.
"The raids were conducted based on information from members of the public and the syndicate is masterminded by two men in their 40s, who are believed to have been active since the middle of last year and aided by several middlemen who played the role of promoters and sellers.
"The two masterminds were arrested at a home in Melaka Tengah, which was also used as the centre to print the letters while the fake medals and sashes were ordered from illegal suppliers overseas," he told a press conference at his office in Seri Negeri here today.
Also present was Melaka Police chief Datuk Abdul Majid Mohd Ali.
Sulaiman said the syndicate's modus operandi was to target businessmen and promoting their activities through contacts before ordering the fake Melaka state awards, medals and honorary titles at a designated place.
"Melaka police also seized various items, among them eight fake Melaka award letters, eight fake Melaka Justice of Peace letters, 13 sashes and 21 medals.
"Also seized were two fake membership cards and 168 sets of Melaka Council of Datuk car emblems, two fake memberships and seven sets of Melaka Justice of the Peace Council car emblems as well as computer equipment and accessories," he said.
Sulaiman said the Melaka police had opened four investigation papers on the case, which would be investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
According to him, the case is also being investigated under Section 3(1)(a) and Section 3(1)(b) of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Enactment A21 of the Melaka State Enactment.
He said both the masterminds of the syndicate would be charged in the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court tomorrow.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Aug 11 2021
Police have busted the largest syndicate involved in the selling and counterfeiting of letters conferring fake Melaka state awards and medals which carry the titles of "Datuk" and "Datuk Seri" as well as JP. - Astro AWANI pic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.