Five detained over scam using Android apps containing malware

KUALA LUMPUR: Three men and two women were detained in connection with a scam using compromised Android apps.

Police secretary Deputy Comm Datuk Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said the five suspects, aged between 17 and 21, were detained following a raid in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 24.

"Investigations showed that the suspects created and used fake profiles on online chat platforms.

"They would then entice victims by showing videos that can be accessed via another application that they would send them in the form of an APK (Android Package Kit or installation file)," she said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 14).

Victims are required to buy a token before accessing the application, she said.

She said this would allow funds to be transferred from the victims' bank accounts (to a third party).

DCP Noorsiah said the case had been classified under Section 420/511 of the Penal Code.

"We are also investigating connections between this syndicate and others.

"We advise the public not to download or install any APK file sent to you from unknown individuals," she added.

She also advised the public to get more information and advice from the CCID scam Response Centre at 03-2610 1559 or 03-2610 1599.