Two Former Directors in Malaysia Granted DNAA in Forex Investment Fraud Involving Over RM450K

The magistrate's court in Malaysia has granted a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) to two former investment company directors, Azlin Awang Chee, 44, and Mohd Hasanul Isyraf Mohammad Rejab, 39, in connection with a forex investment fraud case involving RM457,735.50.

Both individuals were set to stand trial on 21 March before Magistrate Dzul Elmy Yunus, with Azlin on 10 charges of cheating and Mohd Hasanul on 10 counts of abetment. However, the prosecution informed the court of instructions from the Attorney-General's Chambers to review all charges, requesting a postponement.

Counsels who represented Azlin and Mohd Hasanul, respectively, objected to the postponement, arguing that the review should have been conducted before the trial. They also urged the court to exercise its discretion and grant a DNAA, which the court later approved for all charges against both accused.

According to the charges, Azlin was accused of deceiving 10 individuals into believing they would receive profits from a forex investment. He allegedly lured all the victims to hand over sums ranging between RM2,700 and RM192,672.50 between 2020 and 2021 at various places. Upon conviction, the offense carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison, whipping, and a fine.

Meanwhile, Mohd Hasanul faced charges for abetting the alleged fraudulent activities.

In Malaysia, a DNAA releases the accused without fully acquitting them, allowing the prosecution to reinstate charges if new evidence emerges. In this case, the DNAA leaves the charges against the accused open for potential reinstatement.