MUKAH: A woman was poorer by RM31,451 after being deceived by an 'online' bomoh through Facebook who claimed that he could cure her sickness and help resolve problems with her boyfriend.
Mukah District Police Chief Deputy Superintendent said the 38-year-old nanny met an Indonesian man known as Ustaz Mangkubono through Facebook on April 24.
He said after getting to know each other, the victim shared her problems with the man in that she was suffering from seizures, depression and had problems with her boyfriend.
"The man explained on the ritual to cure a disease, which the victim believed.
"After the victim was convinced by the suspect regarding the method and effectiveness of the medicine, the suspect said he needed financial capital to buy ritual necessities," he said in a statement, today.
Rizal said the victim who, taken up by the suspect's sweet words, then made seven money transactions to the bank account under the name of Leni Taryati from April 24 to April 26 with a total transaction of RM23,451.
Meanwhile, the eighth transaction on April 26 to the bank account under the name of Lim Siew Chian amounted to RM8,000.
He added that the victim was also often contacted by the suspect, asking for more money.
Realising she had been deceived, Rizal said the victim lodged a police report at the Mukah Police Station at 5pm yesterday.
He said the victim obtained the money from the sale and pawning of her gold jewellery as well as borrowing money from her family to cover the cost of the 'medical' ritual.
"The victim's statements were recorded under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code and all supporting documents from the victim were obtained to enable the investigation paper to be opened," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
