JOHOR BARU: Police nabbed 12 members of a Macau scam syndicate in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur following a raid at a shophouse.
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Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the raid at the shophouse in Kota Tinggi on Feb 2, later led them to the arrest of the suspects.
“During the raid in Kota Tinggi, we seized 57 mobile phones, a computer and two modems that were used by the syndicate in the online scam.
“Further investigations led to the arrest of the suspects aged between 22 and 33 around Cheras. We believe they managed to flee the shophouse before the raid,” said Ayob Khan.
He said the syndicate’s modus operandi is to pose as Pos Laju officers to deceive their victims.
“We believe the syndicate has been active for about a year and each member was paid a monthly sum of between RM1,000 and RM2,000 as well as other commission,” said Ayob Khan.
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He was speaking at a Press conference at the state police headquarters here.
Also present were deputy Johor police chief Datuk Khaw Kok Chin and state Commercial Crime Investigation Departmsnt chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Salleh Abdullah.
Ayob Khan said the suspects have been detained until March 21 under Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Crime Act 1959.
In 2020, Johor police received 421 reports regarding Macau scams involving losses totalling RM26.17 million while between January and February this year, 40 reports were received involving losses of RM1.48 million.
“I am surprised that people are still falling for these scams despite the various warnings and advice that we have given,” said Ayob Khan.- NST