Kota Kinabalu: A 54-year-old woman, accused of involvement in an organised criminal group linked to fraudulent withdrawal of RM24.2 million from fixed deposit account, broke down after the High Court freed her, Tuesday.
Judicial Commissioner Ratanah Devi Yusof Perumal discharged and acquitted Christina @ Caroline Pianus Etip after the prosecution withdrew the charge against her.
“In view of the charge against the accused having been withdrawn, the accused is hereby discharged, amounting to an acquittal,” she ruled.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Ashrof Adrin Kamarul informed the court that the representation submitted by Christina’s counsel had been accepted, and the prosecution no longer intended to pursue the case.
“The prosecution does not intend to proceed with the charge against the accused Christina and is asking for the charge to be withdrawn,” he said.
Christina and co-accused Irene Chin Nyuk Thien, 38, had been on trial for an offence under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code for allegedly being part of an organised crime group involved in fraudulent activities to obtain material benefits.
The alleged offences occurred between 26 April and 10 July 2024 at an MBSB Bank branch in the city. The charge carries a jail term of between five and 20 years.
Four witnesses had been called before Christina was released. Irene’s trial continues on 10 Feb 2026.
The two were among 10 individuals charged on 7 Nov 2024 with similar offences. Eight have since pleaded guilty to an alternative charge under Section 130W of the Penal Code, which provides for up to 10 years’ imprisonment for assisting an organised criminal group.
On June 13, this year, three of the eight were sentenced to five years’ jail, while another four received three-and-a-half-year terms on 12 Aug. The remaining accused, Mazlani Jenuary, 53, will be sentenced on 12 Dec.
DPP Yazid Mustaqim Roslan also appeared for the prosecution. Christina was represented by counsel Amli Nohin.
