COMMENT By now, a big stack of cash with four zeroes would have exchanged hands between a few foreigners and a police investigating officer.

In order to secure the release of a couple of their friends who have been arrested, the investigating officer has allegedly demanded the cash to be paid to him directly. The condition set by the police officer was simple - no involvement of any locals.

The foreigners had applied to study in beautiful Malaysia, but upon arrival in Malaysia, they realised that they had been conned by a local agent who preyed on the innocence of these young people and their less-educated parents.