MELAKA - The police dismantled a 'call centre' syndicate suspected of being involved in a non-existent online investment scam with the arrest of 12 individuals in two raids at Taman Krubong Perdana here early on Wednesday morning.
Acting Melaka Tengah district police chief Supt Halim Abas said that those detained comprised 10 male Chinese nationals, in addition to a local man and woman, all aged between 23 and 47 years.
"In the first raid at 2.30 am, a team from the Melaka Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK) arrested six individuals, consisting of five male Chinese nationals and one local man, all aged between 23 and 43 years.
"Meanwhile, the second raid at 3 am led to the arrest of five more male Chinese nationals and a local woman, all aged between 27 and 47 years," he said at a press conference at the Melaka contingent police headquarters (IPK) here today.
Commenting further, Halim said that the results of the social media analysis experts' review found that both syndicates engaged in online investment fraud activities that do not exist and are suspected of targeting Chinese citizens through digital platforms.
It was said that the investigation found that both syndicates had started operating since early June and were using the MiChat application to communicate with the victims.
The investigation results also found that all the suspects acted as customer service representatives who contacted target customers and provided explanations about online investments that could be accessed through the given link.
"Interested victims would choose the offered investment and make payments managed by other syndicate members who are still at large," he said.
Halim said that in the raid, the police also seized 12 sets of monitors, mouses and keyboards, 12 CPU units, 12 mobile phones, as well as two sets of modems and routers worth approximately RM40,000, which were believed to be used for conducting the activities.
He said the investigation was conducted under Section 420 of the Penal Code read together with Section 120B of the Penal Code and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, and all suspects have been remanded from June 10 to June 23.
He also advised the public to be more cautious before making any money transfer transactions and to check with the bank or police if they feel suspicious about any financial dealings.
"The public is also advised to check phone numbers and account numbers through the Semak Mule website before making any transactions, and to immediately contact the bank or the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 if they fall victim to cyber fraud," he added. - BERNAMA