Kulim:Kedah Police have successfully dismantled an online scam syndicate during a raid at a business premises in Bandar Putra, Kulim, last Friday. The syndicate was involved in impersonating Indian police officers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kedah Police Chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah stated that 48 individuals were arrested in the joint operation at 800 pm, including seven locals, eight Indian nationals, and 33 Pakistani nationals. The syndicate, which started operations in late August, used a three-story shoplot to conduct online scams targeting victims in India.

The syndicate used the Telegram app to deceive victims by alleging their phone numbers were linked to illegal activities. Victims were instructed to transfer money into designated bank accounts for supposed police investigations. Investigations also revealed that syndicate members, aged 20 to 43, were allegedly duped into joining after applying for jobs advertised on social media, with promises of monthly salaries between RM2,500 to RM3,500.

Further probing indicated that the syndicate members lacked valid travel documents for Malaysia. So far, 73 individuals have fallen prey to the scams, incurring losses nearing RM1.4 million. Police seized various items, including 89 mobile phones, seven laptops, modems, monitors, and paraphernalia like Indian police uniforms and flags, with a total seizure value estimated at RM70,000.

The case is under investigation for offenses under Section 420 of the Penal Code (PC), Section 120B of the PC, and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. Follow-up arrests of five locals, involved as premises owners and agents, were made around Kulim and Tanjung Piandang, Perak. These individuals, aged 44 to 51, have no prior criminal records.

Adzli emphasized the significance of public information in achieving this operation's success and encouraged the public to report any scam activities for prompt police action.