ALOR SETAR: Kedah police have crippled seven online scam syndicates operating through call centres between January and October, arresting 87 suspects.
State police chief Comm Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said the suspects comprised 27 Malaysians, 33 Pakistanis, 15 Chinese nationals, eight Indians and four Bangladeshis.
"Investigations revealed that the suspects used various tactics and modus operandi, including communication facilities and technology, to deceive victims for illicit financial gain.
"Their modus operandi included the misuse of financial transactions in the banking sector, offers of non-existent lottery numbers, love scams, fake part-time job offers and telecommunications scams involving individuals impersonating enforcement officers," he told a press conference here on Wednesday (Nov 4).
He said questioning of the suspects found that they targeted victims both locally and overseas, including in Thailand, Japan, China, Australia, India and Bangladesh.
"We seized various items used in the activities, including mobile phones, computers, modems, prepaid SIM cards and enforcement agency uniforms, with the total value estimated at RM300,000.
"These scams involve extensive networks and large-scale operations.
"Recent trends show that syndicates are choosing hotels or abandoned resorts as locations for their call centres because they offer more privacy, ample space and easier security control," he said.
The suspects have been charged with various offences, including Sections 420 (cheating) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Penal Code and under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Comm Adzli appealed to the public, particularly landlords, to report any cases of rented properties being used as bases for online scam operations.
In a related case, he said three Pakistani men were detained on suspicion of operating an online gambling business from a call centre at a shoplot in Sungai Petani at 12.25am on Monday (Nov 2).
"The suspects, aged 21 to 23, were in a room equipped with computers and mobile phones when we raided the premises.
"The syndicate had been operating for three months and paid them RM3,600 monthly to promote and manage its gambling activities.
"The syndicate ... made RM193,675 in profits. It targeted gamblers in Nepal, where gambling is prohibited, with its offers attracting considerable interest," he said.
The suspects have been remanded until Nov 15, while the case is being investigated under several laws, including the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Penal Code and the Electricity Supply Act 1990. – Bernama
