A Malaysian man detained in Japan has been charged with fraud, as an NGO raises concerns over delayed consular notification affecting his legal defence.
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian detained in Japan for alleged involvement in an online fraud syndicate has been charged and pleaded guilty in a Japanese court.
Muhammad Faiq Zafran Mohd Jailani, 23, was charged last month under Articles 246 and 60 of the Japanese Penal Code, according to Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim.
Article 246 relates to fraud, while Article 60 concerns offences committed jointly. The maximum sentence under these provisions can be up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Sentencing has not yet been imposed, with a decision expected in March. An additional charge is expected to be filed against the youth on March 12.
Hishamuddin said his organisation had initially believed Muhammad Faiq was still under investigation. They were later informed by legal aid lawyers in Japan that two charges had been filed and guilty pleas recorded.
He raised concerns over consular notification during a press conference attended by the detainee’s parents, Noor Zuhaini Ismail and Mohd Jailani Ambak.
Hishamuddin said the Malaysian embassy in Japan confirmed it had not been informed of the arrest. Officials only learned of the matter through media reports and Wisma Putra.
“Had notification been made earlier, the family would have had the opportunity to appoint a private lawyer to examine the facts of the case before any guilty plea was recorded,” he said.
Accordingly, MHO is seeking the intervention of the Malaysian government, particularly Wisma Putra, to help obtain a detailed explanation of the legal process.
Hishamuddin stressed the intervention is not intended to challenge Japan’s legal system. It aims to ensure that consular rights and access to proper legal defence are upheld.
Bernama had previously reported that Noor Zuhaini lodged a police report on Nov 30 last year after failing to contact her son since Nov 19. The matter was referred to Wisma Putra on Dec 8.
Efforts to trace the youth revealed Muhammad Faiq was being detained at the Toyamanishi Police Station in Japan.
The Sun Malaysia
