PETALING JAYA: Authorities have busted a syndicate behind fake SMS scams using illegal mobile signal equipment in Kuala Lumpur.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), working with the police, said one man was caught operating a “Fake Base Transceiver Station” (Fake BTS) from a parked vehicle near a major shopping mall.
The device was found to be active, sending out scam messages containing false information, phishing links, and gambling promotions, said MCMC Corporate Communications in a statement on Saturday (Sept 6).
A follow-up raid at a double-storey terraced house in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, uncovered more Fake BTS equipment and vehicles connected to the operation.
Investigators believe the syndicate had modified the devices to be easily portable.
In total, 45 items worth about RM100,000 were seized, and a suspect has been questioned at Menara KPJ in Kuala Lumpur to assist with the investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 239(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588], which carries a maximum fine of RM1mil or up to 10 years’ imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.
It is also being investigated under Regulation 34(5)(c) of the Communications and Multimedia (Spectrum) Regulations 2000, which provides for a maximum fine of RM300,000 or up to three years’ imprisonment, or both.
