BUTTERWORTH: A businessman pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here to six charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust and misappropriating RM13.4 million in company funds.
Chan Eng Leong, 50, was accused of committing the offences five years ago.
According to the charge sheet, Chan is accused of misleading a director of Global Tobacco Manufacturer (International) Sdn Bhd into believing that the Customs Department would raid the company under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and seize cash.
The supposed raid was premised on a probe into excuse duties for cigars.
Chan supposedly informed the victim that he could help resolve the issue to the point the victim handed over RM11 million to the accused between April 11, 2019 and Nov 21, 2019.
He was charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and pleaded not guilty before Judge Noor Aini Yusof.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in jail, whipping, and a fine.
He was also charged under Sections 409 and 403 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust and misappropriating RM2.4 million from the same company between Oct 1, 2019, and Oct 3, 2019.
Prosecution was carried out by deputy public prosecutor Muna Mohamed Jaafar, who sought bail of RM200,000.
Chan, who was represented by RSN Rayer argued for a lower bail, citing his client's willingness to cooperate with the authorities.
Rayer also said his client was also charged with the same offence in 2021 before he was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal.
The court set bail at RM100,000 for all charges and set May 10 for case management.
