Investigations into online scams takes longer due to rigorous procedures

SHAH ALAM - Criminal investigations involving online fraud cases will take a longer time as it involves more than just the police and banks.

Senior Lecturer in Faculty of Economics and Muamalat Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Dr Mohd Nazri Mohd Noor said certain procedures must be followed rigorously before any prosecution could take place.

According to him, common online fraud cases will be referred to the police and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

“Scammers are referred as part of BNM’s financial fraud which can be investigated in accordance with Section 4 (1) of the Act Money Services Business 2011.

"For the purpose of prosecution, it is necessary look at the relevant act.

“Similarly, raids needed to be conducted to collect evidence before it can be brought to court and that is what causing delay in terms of investigation,” he said.

Commenting further, Mohd Nazri said the prosecution process was either fast or slow depending on the evidence collected and the cooperation of the relevant parties.

“The solution to speed up these processes depends on the procedure, discussions with BNM followed by the collection of evidence and finally the prosecution stage.

"So the process is time consuming, it's not a matter of speed or slow,'' he said.

He also added that only comprehensive evidence would allow for an individual to be charged and subsequently convicted for any criminal offences.

"Strong evidence will make a prosecution case successful," he added.