Student in M'sia, 20, falls to her death after fake 'China police' accuse her of murder & criminal activity

Less than two weeks after arriving in Malaysia to pursue her studies, a 20-year-old Chinese woman was targeted by scammers posing as "China police".

They accused her of murder and being a "major suspect" of a criminal group.

The woman, Li Bowen (transliteration from Chinese) had flown to Malaysia on Mar. 13 but became uncontactable after Mar. 22, China Press reported.

Her body was subsequently found at the foot of the apartment in Kuala Lumpur where she was staying.

Asked parents to remit large sum of money

Li's parents flew over to Malaysia after their friends in the country told them they suspected Li had fallen to her death.

They told China Press that the last time they spoke to Li was over a call on Mar. 22.

According to Li's mother, Li had vaguely enquired about how much savings the family had, and later sent a handwritten note asking her to remit RM156,753 (S$47,225) for an "emergency".

But as she was unclear what had happened to her daughter, Li's mother held back on sending the money.

The parents only found out what happened after inspecting Li's mobile phone.

Contacted by scammers on 5th day in M'sia

In a voice memo left by Li, she said she had received a call from the "Malaysian Communications Bureau" on Mar. 18.

The caller told Li that a mobile phone number under her name had been used to send fraud messages in China.

When Li said she was not aware of this number, the caller offered to help her contact the "Shanghai Hongkou Public Security Bureau" to report the crime.

She was then contacted by a second scammer who identified themself as a police officer "Du Feng" from the bureau.

Li said Du accused her of being involved in selling information as a "major suspect" of a criminal group.

She was also accused of killing an old woman.

Du asked Li if she had “fled” to Malaysia to evade justice.

Li was asked to assist in police investigations, and additionally hand over a sum of RM156,753 (S$47,225) to prove her innocence.

She was told she would be arrested by "Chinese police" and jailed for at least a year otherwise, she said.

Li was also issued a fake notice by Du which indicated she was under his supervision during her "bail pending trial".

Li was also required to report her movements for the four days prior to her death, Li's parents said.

They believed she was under "unbearable mental pressure" and "guilt" due to the scam.

Li’s parents intend to take her body back to China for burial, China Press reported.

Li's father hopes the Malaysian police will conduct a probe into Li's death.

Helplines

If you or someone you know are in mental distress, here are some hotlines you can call to seek help, advice, or just a listening ear:

SOS 24-hour Hotline: 1-767

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

Institute of Mental Health: 6389-2222 (24 hours)

Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 (for primary school-aged children)

SHECARES@SCWO: Call: 8001-01-4616 | Whatsapp: 65714400 (for targets of online harm)

Top image from China Press