Penang: Police arrested five local men and two women during a raid on a condominium unit in Cyberjaya, suspected to be operating as a call centre for a job scam syndicate.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf stated that the suspects, aged between 22 and 36, were believed to be call centre operators targeting victims in Hong Kong. Each suspect allegedly earned a monthly salary of RM4,000 for their involvement.

Ramli revealed that investigations showed the syndicate had been active for the past year, engaging in second-layer job scam activities. The operators instructed victims to complete specific tasks, promising a 20 percent return on the amount obtained from these activities.

He further disclosed that three of the arrested individuals had prior criminal records involving gambling, drugs, and fraud. The suspects were charged at the Sepang Magistrate’s Court under Section 120(B)(1) of the Penal Code, in conjunction with Sections 417 and 34.

Ramli also called on property owners to be more vigilant and responsible in monitoring their tenants’ activities to prevent their premises from being used for fraudulent operations. He emphasized that ignorance of such activities is not an excuse and urged property owners to take responsibility for any criminal activities occurring in their units.

In addition, Ramli mentioned that the police are reviewing a proposal to establish a specific legal provision to address the issue of properties being misused in this manner.