The CMIA Capital Partners Scam That Cost a Remisier Almost Half a Million

He thought he recognised a good investment when he saw one. As a seasoned bank remisier, he had seen countless high-return opportunities pass across his screen, but this one stood out. The testimonials looked genuine, the profit screenshots appeared impressive, and the company name carried a sense of legitimacy. It all waited for him on Facebook. By the time he realised something was terribly wrong, RM471,100 of his money had disappeared.

Commercial Crime Investigation Department Head of the Kedah Contingent Police Headquarters, Supt Loi Yew Lik, confirmed that a police report had been lodged at the Kulim District Police Headquarters on Tuesday November 18 at 1.50pm.

Based on the complainants account, the incident began on September 16 after he encountered an investment scheme advertised by a company calling itself CMIA Capital Partners. The scheme claimed to offer high, guaranteed and risk free returns. The victim had been influenced by the screenshots and testimonials provided, believing them to be genuine indicators of profit.

He later contacted an individual identifying herself as Cheryl, who claimed to be a representative of the company, and communicated with her solely through WhatsApp.

Once convinced, the victim started transferring funds. From October 29 onwards, he made 14 payments totalling RM471,100 into a CIMB account registered under the name CH Keystone.

Initially, the arrangement appeared legitimate when the victim received a return of RM21,100. However, the suspect soon began providing excuses, stating that additional payments were necessary before any further returns could be released. When the victims messages stopped receiving replies, he realised the scheme was fraudulent.

Investigations later showed that the phone number used by the suspect was not associated with the actual CMIA Capital Partners entity. The operation had been designed to appear credible while concealing its fraudulent nature.

Supt Loi advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid being persuaded by investment schemes that promise unusually high returns. He stated that checks could be conducted with the Securities Commission Malaysia or Bank Negara Malaysia to verify the legitimacy of any entity before money is transferred.

Even more striking in this case is that the victim was not a novice investor, but a professional remisier who is well versed in financial markets, investment structures and the red flags of high return schemes. His experience should have offered protection, yet the scam still succeeded. If a trained industry insider can be deceived by convincing documentation, polished narratives and fabricated proof of profit, the average investor faces an even greater level of vulnerability.