KUALA LUMPUR: KUALA LUMPUR: An average of RM7.9million has been lost daily from Jan to Dec 15 involving commercial crime cases this year.
Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said their records showed that 30,724 cases were reported during this period involving losses of RM2,774,320,430.
"Based on our analysis, an average of 88 cases occurred daily involving RM7.9million in losses.
"In comparison to last years 31,588 cases reported during the same period , we have seen a three per cent drop," he said when contacted.
He said although the number of cases showed a decreasing trend, it was worrying that the amount of losses recorded has increased by 44 per cent compared to the RM1,924,424,513 lost last year.
He said 45 per cent (13,721) of investigation papers were successfully charged in court this year compared to the 13,450 investigation papers that led to charges in 2023.
Ramli said the decrease in commercial crime cases was a positive sign and his personnel would redouble their efforts to ensure the prevention and suppression of these cases showed a greater impact.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, Ramli said they have observed a steady increase in illegal money lending cases over the last four years.
"In 2021, we recorded 977 cases while 989 cases were recorded in 2022, 1,162 cases last year, and 981 cases as of November this year.
"We have conducted various operations and raids which led to the arrest of 4,737 individuals for various offences related to illegal money lending activities over the last four years.
"Our observations revealed that the majority of lenders knew the risks involved but continued to take such loans out of desperation and were confident that they could repay the loans," he said.
Ramli said the issue involving illegal money lenders would only continue as long as the demand for such services remained.
"We have issued reminders over and over again in the hopes that the public do not seek such loans but it continues to remain a problem," he said, advising the public to never fall into the trap set by these illegal money lenders.