There is an alarming report yesterday in Malaysia’s The Star newspaper claiming that a man who is believed to be gay and HIV positive has conned a large number of young men of their money and valuables after having sex with them.

 

The March 10 report says more than 193 men, some of whom are teenagers, have claimed to be victims of the same man with at least 100 saying they had sex with him before they were cheated of money, laptops, mobile phones and other items.

 

The case came to light after one victim posted a photo of the man on Facebook, and other victims recognised him. No other details about the man were disclosed.

 

In a recorded press conference chaired by Datuk Michael Chong, Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) Public Services and Complaints Dept. Chief, several victims who had their faces pixelated revealed how they came to be cheated by the alleged conman who was described as being soft-spoken and considerate.

 

The youngest victim, a 17-year-old student who said he met the alleged conman through a pen-pal magazine last October, has already tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease.

http://www.fridae.com/newsfeatures/2011/03/10/10706.gay-man-swindles-200-others-in-malaysia

 

The article has drawn some skepticism from guys on the fridae site, along with the view that in Malaysia the authorities are always anxious to publish stories like this, no matter how true or otherwise. It also highlights the point that teenagers are unlikely to invite a stranger into their homes for sex. So where were they having sex, and how could the man have stolen items like computers from them? The You Tube clip provides some answers, but it also raises some questions about possible prompting.

 

It does draw attention to one fact, however. Opening your homes or hotel rooms to complete strangers can indeed be dangerous. Always make sure the guy you are with shows you his ID card and leaves it with the security guard or the hotel reception. Then make sure it is not returned until you accompany your friend out of the building.

 

One thing you can say about the crook is that he had good taste in victims. They are cute.