SEREMBAN: Police have crippled an online investment scam syndicate known as the 'Ah Kit Group' following a raid at Taman Bukit Kepayang here on Sunday (April 27).
Negri Sembilan police chief Datuk Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof said a team from the state Commercial Crime Investigation Department arrested nine locals, including a woman, based on intelligence related to the illegal scheme.
The suspects, aged between 21 and 35, are believed to have been involved in the scam. Police also seized 33 mobile phones, nine laptops, seven vehicles, and 14 notebooks.
"Investigations revealed the syndicate had been operating since January, using a house as a call centre to promote non-existent online investment schemes through messaging platforms such as Tantan, Tinder, Telegram, and Facebook. The group primarily targeted victims from neighbouring countries," he said in a statement on Thursday.
He said the syndicate offered RM3,000 salaries to call centre operators and used gated residential areas as hostels and operational bases.
Ahmad Dzaffir said the group lured victims by claiming to represent legitimate companies and promising high returns on investments.
"Once the victims transferred their money, the syndicate gave various excuses to delay or avoid payouts, eventually cutting off all contact," he said.
Although the victims were not Malaysians, he reminded the public to remain vigilant and not be easily deceived by online investment offers that promise quick and lucrative returns.
All suspects have been remanded for four days starting April 28. The case is being investigated under Sections 420 and 120(b) of the Penal Code. - Bernama
