Cops bust job scam syndicate in Kuching, 65 nabbed

KUALA LUMPUR: The police have arrested 65 people and crippled a job scam syndicate at Kuching, says Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf.

The Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director said police raided four locations on Nov 27 and arrested 65 Malaysians aged from 16 to 50 years old.

"The syndicate was operating a call centre offering non-existent jobs. Also arrested was a 45-year-old man believed to be the mastermind," he told reporters on Wednesday (Nov 29).

He said police seized 137 mobile phones, 45 computers, six modems, a laptop, five watches and four vehicles.

"Based on our checks, the syndicate was targeting victims from Australia and South America," he said.

Comm Seri Ramli said victims were recruited to write reviews to promote a website offering cheap flight tickets.

He said victims had to pay a sum for each review they wrote but the syndicate promised to pay them a commission and refund the payment made after completing the review.

"The syndicate never made any payment to victims," he said.

In an unrelated case, Comm Ramli said police conducted a raid on an online gambling call centre in Genting Highlands.

"We arrested five individuals, including a 16-year-old.

"Based on our investigations, the syndicate was running a bogus online gambling operation.

He said the syndicate found victims on dating sites like Bumble Dating and Tinder.

"Once they make friends with a victim, they would offer them gambling services through a spoof website," he said.

Comm Ramli said the victims could purchase credits and place bets through the website but would not be able to withdraw any winnings.

The five suspects have since been remanded.C