Duo behind red ruby scam pleads not guilty

Kluang: Two Indonesians pleaded not guilty to 15 charges of cheating at the Kluang Magistrate's Court here today.
They were alleged to have cheated their victims out of a total of RM291,000 by passing off fake red rubies as genuine.
Salim, 36, and Ajiswar, 44, both from Tanjung Pinang, Indonesia were charged with selling the fake gems to locals between 2012 and 2016 in Kluang and Simpang Rengam.
Their victims were convinced to pay between RM400 to RM70,000 for each fake ruby.
The two men were arrested on Jan 20 this year and if convicted under Section 420 of the Penal Code, they will face a jail term of up to 10 years, whipping and a fine.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Norafiah Saini told the court that both the accused were on the wanted list and should not be granted bail.
She added that the accused travel frequently between Tanjung Pinang and Johor and could prove to be a flight risk.
Magistrate Nuruhuda Yusof denied the duo bail and fixed Mar 15 for mention.