Cops nab 43 over Accerx crypto scam

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested 43 suspects in raids across nine states in connection with the alleged Accerx cryptocurrency scam.

Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said operations were conducted in response to 135 reports involving RM93.26mil in losses.

"We arrested 35 men and eight women following raids in Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Pahang, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and Sarawak.

"The suspects, aged between 21 and 78, included the company director, business owners, company secretary and mule account providers," he told reporters here on Friday (Feb 16).

ALSO READ: QuickCheck: Is there an investment scam asking for 'cash advances' to secure cryptocurrency?

He said they also seized 28 mobile phones, 14 sets of documents and a cheque.

On Feb 2, it was reported that yet another victim lost her life savings to a cryptocurrency scam on the Accerx platform, which has reportedly already ensnared businessmen, bankers and professionals.

The Port Dickson housewife reportedly lost her savings of RM115,000 after she was lured into the bogus investment scheme through an advertisement on social media.

OCPD Supt Aidi Sham Mohamed said the woman, in her 60s, lodged a report on Jan 26.

The victim said she saw an advertisement on social media in mid-December regarding the scheme. She then came to know an individual via WhatsApp who told her more about the scheme via the Accerx platform.

The case is being probed under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides a jail term of between one and 10 years, whipping and a fine.

ALSO READ: Another victim loses savings to Accerx crypto scam

On Jan 28, Johor police chief Comm M. Kumar revealed that state police had received 12 reports from people claiming to have lost a total of RM5.07mil on bogus investment schemes on the Accerx platform.

The day before, Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said a businessman and a retired banker lost their savings of more than RM450,000 to schemes on the Accerx platform.

The public is advised to check with the Securities Commission regarding investment schemes.