KUALA LUMPUR: Four men and two women, believed to be mule account holders, have been detained in connection with the Kakaue crypto investment scam.
The suspects, aged between 19 and 41, were held following raids in six states between Oct 7 and 11.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said those detained were owners of mule companies, whose accounts were used to receive investments from victims who joined the scheme.“They were detained following raids in Sarawak, Sabah, Penang, Kedah, Melaka and Johor.
“Investigations showed that the scammers advertised their supposed scheme on Facebook using the Kakaue company name.
“Those interested were added to a WhatsApp group, given an explanation on the investment scheme, required to download the Kakaue investment app and register as a member,” he said when contacted yesterday.Then, victims had to contact a customer service centre to get instructions on how to make payment for the investment scheme, which transferred funds to several company accounts.
“Through the app, victims could see whether there were profits in their investment.
“However, when they tried to withdraw their money, the company would give various excuses and the victims would never see their funds again,” he said.
Comm Ramli said 50 police reports had been lodged nationwide, involving RM18.33mil in losses.
In another case, he said police had detected a “legal service” for victims of online scams on TikTok.
“It involves getting back the funds lost by victims. I stress that any offer claiming to ensure the return of lost funds for victims of scams is in fact another scam,” he said, adding that the legal process must be followed for the return of lost funds due to scams.
