The vehicle that was seized by the RBPF. - Photo: RBPF
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) has dismantled a major bank account rental syndicate, arresting 48 locals and three foreign nationals in connection with the operation, which allegedly handled funds from fraud and online gambling activities.
The breakthrough came after a joint operation with the Royal Customs and Excise Department at Sungai Tujoh Checkpoint, where local bank cards and other prohibited items were discovered inside a foreign vehicle carrying two foreign suspects.
The police were immediately notified, and the suspects were detained for further investigation.
Subsequent inquiries revealed that the syndicate had been actively recruiting bank account owners through social media since January 2025.
Participants were added to closed chat groups for coordination and instructions on transferring illicit funds.
“The arrests highlight the syndicate’s reach across various segments of society, with account holders aged between 20 and 56 years,” said RBPF.
The suspects are now facing multiple charges, including unauthorised access and disclosure of computer codes, money laundering, and failure to report cross-border fund transfers under Brunei’s criminal and asset recovery laws.
The RBPF has urged the public to remain vigilant and refrain from renting out or sharing bank accounts, emphasising that such activities constitute serious criminal offences.
The public is also encouraged to report any suspicious activities immediately.
The police expressed their appreciation to JKED for their close cooperation, which was instrumental in apprehending all suspects and exposing the syndicate’s network. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
