Real estate agent and police officer accused of deceiving victims by impersonating lawyers.
A real estate agent in Malaysia has pleaded not guilty to two charges of fraud involving RM48,000. The accused, S. Shaminee, 43, allegedly conspired with a police officer, Inspector V. Lavanya, 37, to deceive two victims by falsely claiming they were lawyers. The case, which involved fake legal services, is now under trial at the Sessions Court in Johor Bahru.
The fraud case emerged after victims transferred funds to the accused, believing they were paying for legal assistance. The court heard that the accused posed as lawyers and offered false promises of resolving cases related to illegal domestic workers.
According to court documents, Shaminee and Lavanya allegedly convinced a 44-year-old man that they could assist him in a legal case related to hiring a domestic worker without a permit. They claimed Lavanya was investigating the case, leading the victim to transfer RM24,000 to three bank accounts. However, authorities later confirmed that no such case existed.
In another incident, a 33-year-old woman was tricked into believing that Shaminee was a lawyer who could help resolve a case involving her mother-in-law. The woman transferred RM24,000, unaware that there was no legitimate investigation against her relative.
Legal Charges and Court Proceedings
The Sessions Court charged both accused under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
During the hearing, Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Asmah Zainal Ariffin from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) requested a bail amount of RM30,000 for both charges. However, Shaminee’s lawyer, Mohd Shahrullah Khan Nawab Zadah Khan, argued for a lower bail amount due to her financial struggles and family obligations.
Financial Hardship and Court’s Decision
Shaminee’s lawyer highlighted her financial difficulties, stating that she recently became a real estate agent and was earning minimal commissions. He also informed the court that her café business had closed, leaving her financially strained. As a mother of two children, aged 14 and 3, he appealed for bail to be reduced to RM3,000.
Considering these circumstances, Judge Datuk Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail set bail at RM8,000 with one surety and ordered Lavanya to appear in court on April 16, 2025, for the next case mention.
The case raises serious concerns about legal fraud and public trust in law enforcement. It highlights the need for stricter identity verification for legal professionals in Malaysia. Authorities urge the public to verify the credentials of legal representatives before engaging their services.
Sources: The Sun MY (2025), Bernama (2025)
Keywords: Real Estate Fraud, Malaysia Court Case, Legal Scam, Johor Bahru Fraud, Impersonation Scam, Fake Lawyers
