Police must act lawfully even when dealing with suspects wanted for serious crimes, says criminologist
PETALING JAYA: A case involving allegations that police personnel extorted money from a foreign national who was subsequently identified as an Interpol-wanted online fraud suspect highlights the importance of robust oversight in law enforcement, particularly when transnational crime is involved, according to a criminologist.
Universiti Malaya criminologist and senior lecturer Dr Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid said the case should not be viewed as evidence of systemic weaknesses within the police force, as investigations were still ongoing, but it raised concerns over operational safeguards.
READ MORE: Negeri Sembilan commuters urge next government to create better-paying jobs closer to homeShe added that cybercrime investigations involving foreign nationals were particularly vulnerable to abuse if proper checks and balances were not in place, especially when suspects were unfamiliar with local laws and procedures.
“The incident demonstrates the importance of ensuring that enforcement operations are properly documented, supervised and subject to independent review, regardless of the nationality or suspected criminality of those involved.
“The allegations are serious regardless of who the victim is. The fact that the complainant is reportedly wanted by Interpol for online fraud does not diminish the seriousness of the allegations against the officers,” she said.
Haezreena stressed that the rule of law required police officers to act lawfully even when dealing with suspected criminals, warning that misconduct by enforcement personnel could undermine the integrity of criminal investigations.
She added that allegations of misconduct against enforcement officers could, ironically, complicate the prosecution of the underlying cybercrime case, as questions might arise over the integrity of the investigation and the handling of evidence.
“This case serves as a reminder that accountability applies equally to both suspected offenders and law enforcement officers.”
She added that while the case could affect public confidence in Malaysia’s efforts to combat cybercrime and corruption, the arrest of the officers demonstrated that accountability mechanisms were being exercised.
“Public confidence is strengthened by ensuring allegations are investigated independently and transparently, regardless of rank.
“Ultimately, the credibility of the criminal justice system depends not on the absence of misconduct but on responding swiftly and impartially whenever it occurs.”
On police discretion during investigations, Haezreena said broad investigative powers must be accompanied by robust safeguards, including proper supervision, documentation and independent complaint mechanisms to prevent abuse of power.
She cautioned against concluding from a single case that there were deeper institutional issues within the police force.
However, incidents involving transnational crime warranted close scrutiny because they often involved significant financial incentives and extensive investigative powers.
“The central issue is not whether the complainant is innocent or guilty. If he is an Interpol-wanted cybercrime suspect, he should be investigated and prosecuted according to the law.
“Equally, if police officers abused their authority for personal gain, they too must be investigated and held accountable,” she said.
Haezreena stressed that the criminal justice system must uphold the rule of law consistently, regardless of who was being investigated.
“This case should therefore be viewed as an opportunity to review operational safeguards, supervisory practices and accountability mechanisms to ensure that public confidence in law enforcement is maintained.”
It was previously reported that 15 police officers and personnel were arrested over allegations of extorting money from foreign nationals suspected of online fraud.
The arrests followed a report by a 30-yearold foreign man who claimed that he and two female friends were confronted by individuals identifying themselves as police at a condominium in Jalan Ampang on July 24.
The officers were investigated under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion and later released on police bail.
Further checks found that the complainant, who claimed to be a Vanuatu national, was a Chinese national wanted by Interpol for online fraud and had a suspicious passport.
He and another Chinese woman were remanded for 14 days until Aug 9, while a Thai woman was released after her documents were verified.
The Sun Malaysia