MIRI: He is a longhouse chief, but on the side, doubles as a fake bomoh and land-dealing swindler.

The 60-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman, believed to be his partner-in-crime, were arrested by the Miri police in liaison with the Bintulu police.

The duo were nabbed in a hotel in Bintulu town located 250km south of Miri two days ago and brought to Miri for further investigation Thursday.

Miri police chief Asst Comm Khoo Leng Huat confirmed the arrests.

“The two are being placed under remand for further investigation.

“They are suspected of being involved in a syndicate that cheated people on welfare issues – fake bomoh services and also fake land transactions.

“We have seized RM18,500 cash and jewellery worth RM20,000 plus cheques and handphones.

“We have also confiscated maps and land documents and bomoh attire,” he told reporters here.

Also seized were branded watches and a car belonging to the suspects.

The duo are from central Sarawak and are believed to have operated using the name Group Kaya.

They are being probed under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.-thestar