Kuala lumpur: Penang police have urged homeowners, particularly those renting out bungalows, to thoroughly screen prospective tenants to prevent their premises from being used as operational centres for online scam syndicates. Penang Police Chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng emphasized the need for obtaining complete information on prospective tenants, including conducting background checks through property agents if the rental is handled by a third party.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lim advised, "Do not accept tenants without carrying out proper checks first, as this can help prevent premises from being misused for criminal activities," during a press conference at the North East District Police Headquarters (IPD). This statement came in response to several recent police raids on online scam syndicates operating from rented bungalows in the state.
On July 16 and 17, police dismantled five online scam syndicates after raiding several bungalows in Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Tikus, Gelugor, and Bukit Mertajam. These locations had been used as call centres for non-existent investment scams and phone scam operations. The operations led to the arrest of 108 individuals, including one Malaysian and 107 foreign nationals from China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Pakistan, and South Africa.
Lim noted that preliminary investigations revealed most of the premises had been operating for more than a month and were used as both accommodation and operational centres for syndicate members. These members were believed to have been recruited through online platforms or agents before being brought to Malaysia.
The individuals arrested were reportedly offered jobs as customer service officers with monthly salaries ranging from RM3,200 to RM5,000. Their task was to contact and persuade victims to join non-existent investment schemes targeting individuals in China. In phone scams, suspects are believed to have impersonated enforcement officers, including Canadian police officers, to deceive victims in Canada and the United States.
Lim stated that police are collaborating with relevant foreign law enforcement agencies to assist in the investigation, including verifying whether those arrested are wanted by authorities in their respective countries. He added that all countries involved have been informed of the arrests for further verification and any required evidence or information will be exchanged through international law enforcement cooperation channels, in accordance with relevant legal provisions.
The case is being investigated under Sections 420 and 120B of the Penal Code. Additionally, all foreign nationals arrested are being investigated under Sections 6(3) and 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.