Kuala lumpur: A total of 15 police officers and personnel have been arrested following allegations of their involvement in an extortion case linked to a group of foreign individuals suspected of conducting online fraud activities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus disclosed that the arrests were made through a joint operation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) and the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters (IPD). The operation was initiated after a police report was filed by a foreign man.
The incident reportedly occurred at a condominium in Jalan Ampang, where the victim, along with two female friends, claimed they were confronted by a group of 12 to 15 individuals who identified themselves as police officers on July 24. The complainant and his companions were taken to the Kuala Lumpur IPK under accusations of engaging in online fraud activities targeting local and Chinese markets.
During their time at the Kuala Lumpur IPK, two police officers allegedly demanded the complainant transfer a sum of money to an account provided to avoid arrest. The intimidated complainants complied with the demand and were subsequently released.
Fadil stated that all 15 officers and personnel involved were detained to assist in the investigation under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion. They have been released on police bail following the completion of the initial investigation procedures.
Further investigation into the online fraud activity led to the arrest of the male complainant, identified as a Vanuatu national, along with two women, a Chinese and a Thai national, by a police team from Dang Wangi IPD. However, it was revealed that the complainant was actually a Chinese national wanted by Interpol for online fraud. His passport, listing his birthplace as Pontianak, Indonesia, was found to be questionable, while Interpol records confirmed his birth in China.
The inspection of the Thai woman's travel documents confirmed their validity, leading to her release. Meanwhile, the complainant and another Chinese woman, identified as the complainant's girlfriend, are now being remanded for 14 days until August 9 for further investigation.
The investigation into the complainant, who is also a suspect in the online fraud case, is being conducted under Section 12(1)(b) of the Passport Act 1966, as well as Section 56(1)(l) and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Fadil emphasized the seriousness of the incident and assured that the police would not tolerate any officer or member involved in the crime. He also advised the public against making any speculations that could disrupt the investigation. Members of the public with information are encouraged to contact the Kuala Lumpur Police Hotline at 03-2115 9999 or any nearby police station.