M Narendran, 35, however, claimed trial after the charge was read out to him before magistrate Salamiah Salleh.

Narendran was alleged to have deceived Dr T K K Suba Karunan into investing in the chilli-planting project, which he knew did not exist.

This allegedly resulted in the victim handing him 25 cheques worth RM198,181 under Sky Fresh Venture Sdn Bhd, a company belonging to the victim.

He was alleged to have committed the offence at No 47, Jalan USJ 1/19, USJ 1, here between July 6, 2014 and Feb 28 this year.

The charge under Section 420 of the Penal Code carries a maximum jail term of 10 years, whipping and fine, upon conviction.

The judge allowed Narendran bail of RM7,000 in one surety and fixed Jan 19 for mention of the case.

DPP Khairul Aisamuddin Abdul Rahman prosecuted while Narendran was represented by counsel S A Vishnu Kumar.