Shamsul Rijal Yussof, 74, and Hamidah Hamid, 62, both former directors of Spectrum Global Sdn Bhd, claimed trial after the charges were read in two separate courts.

Before judge Azrul Darus, Shamsul was charged with cheating Afifi Ahmad, 49, by inducing him to invest in a diesel business with the promise of returns.

He was said to have dishonestly induced Afifi to transfer RM725,000 into a bank account belonging to the company at a bank in Desa Sri Hartamas at 2.39pm on Feb 26, 2024.

The charge, framed under Section 420 of the Penal Code, carries up to 10 years’ imprisonment, whipping, and a fine, upon conviction.

Shamsul also faces a second charge of receiving RM20,000 from the company’s bank account, believed to be the proceeds of unlawful activities at a bank on Jalan Tun Razak on March 15, 2024.

The charge was made under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which carries up to 15 years’ jail and a fine of not less than five times the proceeds or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

Before judge Norma Ismail, Hamidah was charged with receiving RM130,000, allegedly the proceeds of unlawful activities, from the company’s account at a bank in Suria KLCC between March 6 and March 29, 2024.

Both accused were also jointly charged with receiving RM122,000, likewise alleged to be the proceeds of unlawful activities, from the company’s account at a bank in Taman Melawati on Feb 26, 2024.

The courts allowed bail of RM50,000 for Shamsul and RM20,000 for Hamidah, and fixed June 8 for mention.

Lawyer Farhanna Roslan appeared for Shamsul, while Hamidah was unrepresented. Deputy public prosecutors Nurliyana Azmi and Zulhilmi Latif appeared for the prosecution.