SINGAPORE – A man who duped multiple people, including his cousin, into believing he had a lucrative investment scheme involving massage chairs has been sentenced to 14 months’ jail.

On June 13, Mohammad Shahrizan Johari, 43, who cheated four victims of over $78,000, pleaded guilty to two cheating charges.

Of the amount cheated, $57,370 was from his cousin.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Joelle Loy said Shahrizan committed the offences after racking up about $50,000 in debts due to his gambling habits and various loans. 

In September 2021, Shahrizan told his cousin that he had an investment opportunity involving Ogawa massage chairs and an investment partner named “Richard”.

He also lied that the scheme would yield profits with payouts every 40 days.

Although Shahrizan had no dealings with Ogawa or “Richard” at the time, he deceived his cousin as he was desperate to pay off his loans, said the DPP.

Shahrizan subsequently admitted that he had information regarding Ogawa’s operations as he used to work there.

DPP Loy said the cousin grew suspicious when he did not receive any returns on his investments, but Shahrizan kept providing excuses for the delay.

As Shahrizan was his cousin, the victim gave him the benefit of doubt but eventually made a police report in September 2023.

In October 2022, Shahrizan also used the same scheme to cheat his friend. This time, he lied that the investment opportunity would involve Osim massage chairs and that his friend would earn a profit of $12,600 a month.

Having worked with Osim before, Shahrizan was able to provide his friend with information to support his lies, such as the warehouse where the chairs would be stored.

Attracted by the promised returns, the victim transferred $13,600 to Shahrizan over four occasions between October and November 2022.

The court heard that Shahrizan has made full restitution to all his victims except his cousin, who was repaid a sum of $9,000.

Seeking a sentence of 18 to 20 months’ jail, DPP Loy said: “Out of desperation to repay his debts quickly, the accused selfishly and persistently cheated multiple victims of considerable amounts of their hard-earned money.

“Egregiously, he even cheated his cousin, who continues to bear more than $48,000 in losses to date.”

In mitigation, defence lawyer Riko Isaac sought a sentence of 10 to 12 months’ jail, noting that while his client had indulged in gambling activities, the loa...