BALIK PULAU: 35 foreign nationals, mostly from China and one from Taiwan, have been arrested on suspicion of operating an online love scam and gold investment scam centre.
Balik Pulau OCPD Asst Comm Anuwal Ab Wahab said the suspects, aged 18 to 46, were detained during a 2.10pm raid on Monday (Nov 2) by the district Commercial Crime Investigation Division and police headquarters' Criminal Investigation Department at two houses in Bayan Lepas.
"Initial investigations revealed that the syndicate is believed to have been operating since September, targeting Chinese women through the Telegram messaging application," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 4).
ACP Anuwal said checks at both premises found 119 mobile phones and three laptops with chargers which police believed were used in the scam activities.
He said the total value of confiscated items is about RM60,000.
Police are investigating the case under Sections 420 (cheating) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Penal Code.
He advised the public to be vigilant when dealing with strangers on social media and messaging platforms, particularly those who try to strike up relationships before introducing investment opportunities promising lucrative returns.
Anyone with information on suspected scam activities is urged to assist the authorities in combating commercial crimes, he added.
