In a statement, state police chief Hussein Omar Khan said the preacher gained the trust of his victims by invoking a religious institution.

He said the suspect, a Malaysian, was also known to one of the victims since 2020.

“The suspect duped the victim into making three deposits totalling RM60,000 from August to September 2020, the sum of which was purportedly for a religious school in Selangor,” he said.

The second victim gave the preacher RM80,000 sometime in 2019.

Hussein said the victims lodged separate reports in Gombak and Shah Alam.

He reminded the public to remain vigilant about those seeking donations, especially involving religious and educational institutions.

“Avoid sending money to personal accounts or companies that are not registered,” he said.