KUALA LUMPUR: Police dismantled two online fraud syndicates that allegedly targeted victims in China and Japan after raids conducted here last week.
Dang Wangi police chief Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman said an operation was conducted about 4pm last Thursday.
Officers from Bukit Aman’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), the Dang Wangi district CCID and the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department raided a unit in a luxury condominium on Lorong Binjai.
“Based on intelligence, the premises, which were rented at a cost of RM7,000 per month each, were used for online scam activities targeting victims in China.
“We arrested 13 foreigners and one local aged between 18 and 45. All of them are believed to have entered Malaysia using social visit passes.”
Sulizmie said police seized five laptops, 23 mobile phones, a modem set and an access card.
“Investigations found fake online platforms being used to deceive victims.
“The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. The suspects have been remanded until Thursday.”
Sulizmie said the second operation took place on Friday about 5pm, when officers from the Dang Wangi CCID and Integrity and Standards raided five residential units on Persiaran KLCC.
“Ten foreigners aged between 25 and 30 were detained on suspicion of involvement in fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting victims in Japan.
“Similar to the first case, several of the units were used as operating centres while others served as accommodation. They also entered Malaysia using social visit passes.”
He added that police seized eight laptops, two monitors, 16 mobile phones, two modem sets and three access cards.
“The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. The suspects have been remanded until tomorrow.”
He added that they are working to determine the financial losses suffered by victims abroad, with seized devices sent for forensic analysis.
“Although these syndicates targeted victims overseas, we urge residents of luxury condominiums in the city to alert us if they notice large groups of foreigners moving in suspiciously.
“Most of the suspects we have arrested were living in such residences. With public cooperation, we can act swiftly against these syndicates,” he said.
He said that passports seized from suspects will be verified with the Immigration Department.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
