Malaysian about to be interrogated jumps off 7th floor of CID headquarters

Bandar Seri Begawan - A Malaysian man who was under police custody had reportedly leapt to his death from the 7th floor of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Ong Sum Ping yesterday morning in the midst of a police investigation, which the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) described as being "an unfortunate turn of events".

A spokesperson from the RBPF explained that 24-year-old Lee Yeong Sheng, who was among the suspects linked to the recently uncovered ATM skimming device that was discovered in Gadong, was being led from the Central Police Station in Bandar Seri Begawan to the CID headquarters in Ong Sum Ping for further questioning.

The press release stated that in accordance with police procedures, the suspect was escorted to the interview (interrogation) room (which was located on the 7th floor of the building) by several police personnel where they proceeded to remove his handcuffs prior to being questioned.

"The suspect suddenly lunged for a closed glass sliding door that led to a balcony. The police personnel managed to grab onto his clothing but were unfortunately unable to prevent him from exiting out onto the balcony from which he subsequently leapt," the press release added.

The incident occurred at around 9am yesterday.

The suspect, it was further stated, "showed no signs of violence or mental instability".

Following the incident, a medical examiner was immediately informed about the incident and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner and pathologists were called in to assist in the investigation. Results of the autopsy are currently pending.

The incident is currently being investigated as "an unnatural death" by personnel from the Central Police Station.

The occurrence, it was assured, will not deter investigators from pursuing two more individuals believed to in the ATM skimming device incident and who are still at large.

Following thorough work by personnel from the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department, Lee Yeong Sheng was earlier charged before the courts on October 3 under Section 6(1)(b) of the Computer Misuse Act 2000, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' jail or a fine of $100,000 or both.

He was ordered to be remanded for two weeks pending further investigation.