BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) arrested a suspect believed to be involved in an impersonation scam syndicate, following information received from the public during an operation yesterday morning by the Brunei-Muara Police District in collaboration with the Cyber Crime Investigation Division (CCID) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
According to the RBPF, the 23-year-old foreign national suspect was arrested for allegedly acting as a “runner” by impersonating a government officer to deceive victims.
He is believed to have collected money directly from victims who were threatened and manipulated through phone calls by other members of the syndicate.
Several electronic devices including smartphones and a tablet, as well as a vehicle were seized to assist in further investigations.
The case is being investigated under the Penal Code (Chapter 22) and the Computer Misuse Act (Chapter 194).
The RBPF emphasised that impersonating enforcement officers or banking personnel to deceive the public is a serious offence under the law.
Any involvement in such activities, including acting as a “runner” or as a mule account holder, will be met with firm legal action without compromise.
The RBPF also shared that a large number of cases involving online fraud, impersonation scams, or “Macau scams” have been reported recently and the figures are concerning.
The public is urged to remain alert and vigilant, especially towards individuals claiming to be government officials, as government agencies will never request money or sensitive personal information via phone calls or informal meetings.
The public is also reminded not to be involved in any form of fraudulent activity under any circumstances. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
