KUANTAN (Bernama): A retiree lodged a police report here ing he was cheated out of RM16,000 by his nephew, which the victim claimed to have paid to secure the release of his son who was allegedly detained by the police for a drug offence.

       Pahang Commercial Criminal Investigation Department head Supt Mohd Wazir Mohd Yusof said the 62-year-old retiree claimed that on July 6, he received a WhatsApp message from a man claiming to be a police officer about his son being detained for a drug offence by the Jerantut police.

       "The victim claimed that the alleged police officer told him that he could help release the son, but that the victim had to deal with his nephew.

       "The victim claimed he was then asked to prepare RM16,000 by his nephew.

       "And, between July 17 and 25, the victim asked his wife to make online transfers in four transactions totalling the amount to a bank account said to belong to the police officer,” Supt Wazir said in a statement Wednesday (Sept 22).

       He said the victim only realised he had been cheated when he received a call from the police on July 31 to inform him that his son would be sent to Simpang Renggam in Johor.

       The victim lodged a police report after his nephew refused to return the RM16,000, he said, adding that investigations would be carried out under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment up to 10 years, and whipping, as well as a fine. - Bernama