Ex-husband of influencer Kim Seri detained after customers report major South Korea travel scam.
The Johor police have arrested the ex-husband of Malaysian influencer Kim Seri, linked to a travel package scam that caused nearly RM500,000 in losses, shaking public trust across the region.
On April 21, 2025, Johor police arrested the 41-year-old ex-husband of influencer Kim Seri, owner of Cikgu Kimchi Trading, in connection with a travel fraud case involving fake tour packages to South Korea. Police chief Datuk M. Kumar confirmed that the suspect used his company account to funnel payments from victims enticed by attractive yet fraudulent travel offers.
Investigations revealed that eight police reports were filed against the suspect’s company across various districts including South Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi, Seri Alam, Iskandar Puteri, Muar, and Kluang. Kumar added that similar complaints emerged in other Malaysian states, suggesting the operation’s extensive reach beyond Johor.
Victims Left Without Services or Refunds
Customers were allegedly lured through TikTok promotions offering five-day Seoul travel packages priced at RM4,000 each. After making payments, victims reportedly received neither travel services nor refunds, sparking outrage and prompting dozens of police complaints. To date, 24 reports have been lodged, with combined losses nearing RM500,000.
Influencer Issues Public Apology
Kim Seri, whose real name is Seri Azlina Mohamed Sani, issued a public apology via Instagram in December 2024, vowing to facilitate refunds. She created a WhatsApp group to coordinate repayment efforts and denied rumors of fleeing to Japan, asserting that she remains in South Korea and is cooperating with authorities.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, a serious offense in Malaysia carrying penalties including a prison term ranging from one to ten years, caning, and fines. The suspect remains in custody as investigations proceed under the supervision of the deputy public prosecutor.
The incident highlights growing concerns about unregulated online business practices, especially those leveraging social media platforms like TikTok. Authorities urge greater vigilance among consumers when dealing with online travel promotions, stressing the importance of verifying agency credentials before making payments.
As the legal process unfolds, the scandal has cast a shadow over trust in influencer-driven businesses. The case serves as a wake-up call for regulators and consumers alike to tighten oversight and ensure that vulnerable travelers are protected from deceptive marketing schemes.
The travel scam linked to Kim Seri’s ex-husband underscores the urgent need for stricter monitoring of influencer-led businesses and online promotions. For Indonesian and Singaporean travelers increasingly drawn to cross-border tourism, the case is a sobering reminder of the risks of unverified travel offers, reaffirming the importance of choosing licensed and reputable agents.
Sources: Malay Mail (2025), NST (2025)
Keywords: Travel Package Scam, Kim Seri, South Korea Tour Fraud, Johor Police, Online Fraud, Financial Crime
