The 10 are linked to fraudulent withdrawals of RM24.2 million from the fixed deposit accounts of various bank account holders, reported Berita Harian.

The 10 individuals are bank managers Chin Nyuk Thien and Caroline Pianus Etip, pensioners Nasir Abdul Rasid and Leong Hin Ping, teacher Subramaniam Thangavelu, contractor Josepin J Langkan, fisherman Hasran Magin, Sugumaran K Ponniah who is self-employed, and two unemployed people, Vireonis Jonok and Mazlani Jenuary.

They were charged before judge Amir Syah Amir Hassan under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of not less than five years and not more than 20 years upon conviction.

They were charged with being members of an organised crime group involved in serious offences to gain material benefits for the group, which was allegedly led by Langkan.

The alleged offences were committed at a bank branch in Kota Kinabalu between April 26 and July 10.

No plea was recorded from the accused, all of whom were denied bail.

The court fixed Sept 13 for further mention of the case.