IPOH: A cryptocurrency scam call centre targeting victims in Italy has been shuttered following a raid on a homestay in Bagan Datuk, leading to the arrest of 22 Chinese nationals.
Perak police chief Comm Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said the operation, carried out at about 1am on Tuesday, also saw authorities seize around RM95,000 worth of gadgets and equipment used by the syndicate.
“Initial investigations by our Commercial Crime Investigation Department’s social media analysts found that the syndicate operated using a platform known as Pyxora Labs and targeted Italians as their victims.
“They contacted victims via WhatsApp and Telegram, attempting to influence them into joining a fraudulent investment scheme,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.
He added that payments were made using USDT (Tether) through the Pyxora Labs app or website, noting that the group is believed to have been operating since February.
Among the items seized were 35 mobile phones, nine laptops, six mice, as well as routers, modems and cables.
Those arrested comprise 19 men and three women aged between 22 and 40, all of whom possess valid passports.
“We are working with the Immigration Department to determine how they entered Malaysia,” he said, adding that the suspects have been remanded until today.
The case is being investigated under Sections 420 and 129(b) of the Penal Code.
“We are also investigating whether they were operating independently or under the direction of a handler. Those found guilty face up to 10 years’ imprisonment, whipping and a fine,” he said.
In a separate development, Comm Noor Hisam said three more men, in their 20s and 30s, were arrested yesterday morning in connection with the murder of a 25-year-old man in Buntong.
He said police believe the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding.
“We believe it is more of a personal issue, nothing more,” he said, adding that there is a possibility the victim had been involved in an earlier altercation prior to the incident.
He stressed that Buntong has not become a hotspot for gangsterism and remains safe.
Police had earlier arrested four individuals following the incident on Monday, in which the victim’s body was found in the middle of a road.
Two others were also injured in the attack and are still receiving treatment.
The case is being investigated under Sections 302, 326 and 148 of the Penal Code for murder, causing grievous hurt and rioting with weapons.
