SHAH ALAM: Police have crippled two online scam syndicates operating from residential premises in Kajang and Klang, arresting 11 people suspected of involvement in investment fraud and love scams targeting victims overseas.
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said police busted the syndicates in separate operations on Nov 3 and 10 at Sungai Long, Kajang, and Taman Aman Perdana, Klang.
He said the raids were conducted by the Selangor Commercial Crime Investigation Department, with assistance from police in Kajang and North Klang.
“We arrested 11 individuals comprising one local man, seven foreign men and three foreign women.
“All those arrested were aged between 22 and 45 and are believed to have worked as customer service operators for the syndicates,” he told a press conference at the Selangor police headquarters today.
Shazeli said investigations revealed that the syndicates had been operating since September, targeting victims mainly in foreign countries.
He said the syndicates used telephone calls and online communication platforms to carry out fraudulent investment schemes and love scams.
Police also seized 14 mobile phones, six laptops, three notebooks, two routers, two sets of house keys, an all-in-one computer and an iPad.
The seized items were valued at RM20,000.
Shazeli said investigations were being conducted under Sections 420 and 120B of the Penal Code for cheating and criminal conspiracy.
He said two foreign men arrested during the Kajang operation were charged under Section 120B of the Penal Code on Nov 6.
Both were fined RM2,000 each, which they had paid.
“Three other individuals arrested in the same operation have been made prosecution witnesses.
“Meanwhile, six suspects arrested in North Klang remain under remand until Nov 14 to assist investigations,” he said.
Shazeli urged members of the public to report suspicious activities involving suspected scam call centres operating from residential or commercial premises.
He said information from the public was crucial in helping police identify and dismantle such operations.