Chinese Nationals Charged Over Cryptocurrency Investment Scam Plot in Johor

A total of 159 Chinese nationals were charged at three separate Magistrates' Courts in Johor Bharu on Tuesday for their alleged involvement in a cryptocurrency investment scam. The accused, aged between 20 and 58, pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to cheat victims through a non-existent cryptocurrency investment scheme.

The alleged offence was said to be contrary to Section 417 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 511 of the same law. The accused also faced a separate charge of being non-Malaysian citizens without valid passes or permits issued under the law to enter the country.

The courts imposed fines ranging from RM4,000 to RM10,000 on those who pleaded guilty to both charges. For those who claimed trial, Magistrate Atifah Hazimah allowed bail of RM7,000 with two Malaysian sureties.