KUALA LUMPUR: A businessman was charged at the Sessions Court here today with four counts of cheating another businessman, who holds the title Datuk Seri, by claiming he could help resolve issues involving frozen bank accounts and a police investigation into more than RM10 million.
Tan Sri Tan Kean Soon, 63, however, pleaded not guilty to all four charges after they were read out before Judge Azrul Darus.
According to the charges, Tan allegedly cheated businessman Datuk Seri Keh Chuan Seng, 55, by deceiving him into believing that he could help resolve the freezing of Keh's personal and company bank accounts by police, as well as a police investigation into Keh under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA).
The deception allegedly induced Keh to hand over cash amounting to RM2 million, RM3 million, S$1.5 million and RM500,000 to Tan through Datuk Seri Chiau Beng Teik, in which Keh would not have handed over the money had he not been deceived.
The offences were allegedly committed at a car park in Kuchai Lama, Dataran Maybank in Bangsar, Pavilion Hotel and Kampung Pandan between March 23 and 25, 2025.
The charges were brought under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides for jail of between one and 10 years, whipping and a fine upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Norfauzani Mohd Nordin did not offer bail, citing the non-bailable nature of the offence and the total amount of money involved, which she said was RM10 million.
"If the court allows bail, the prosecution proposes RM2 million. However, he must notify the court and the prosecution of any overseas travel by letter and email," she said.
Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, representing Tan, requested bail of RM1 million, saying his client needed to travel regularly to Singapore for medical treatment.
"My client is a businessman and has always cooperated fully with the police," he said.
Bail was set at RM1 million with one surety, and Tan was ordered to inform the court and the prosecution of any overseas travel. Jan 11, 2027 was fixed for mention.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd