KUCHING, Nov 12 – Sarawak police have arrested 42 people after dismantling seven suspected online scam syndicates in a series of raids across the state.
The arrests followed seven operations under Op Magpie last month. Police carried out the raids in Bintulu, Kuching, Padawan, Miri and Sibu.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Saifullizan Ishak said the suspects included 36 men and six women, aged between 19 and 61.
They comprised 14 Malaysians and 28 foreign nationals.
Scam groups operated from residential properties
Police raided two bungalows, three terrace houses and two apartments. Investigators believe the syndicates used these properties as call centres for their activities.
According to Saifullizan, the groups allegedly targeted victims through several types of online fraud.
These included investment scams, cryptocurrency fraud and online gambling. They also allegedly handled money linked to illegal activities.
The victims came from Japan, China, Indonesia and Austria.
In addition, the syndicates allegedly used fake job offers, phone calls and romance scams to deceive victims. Other methods included fraudulent online purchases and fake loan offers.
Police believe the groups operated from the properties for periods ranging from 10 days to 11 months.
Police seize equipment worth RM230,000
During the raids, police seized equipment worth approximately RM230,000.
The items included 33 laptops, four desktop computer sets and seven mobile phones. Officers also seized five UniFi device sets, one Starlink unit and a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Police are investigating the cases under Sections 420 and 120B of the Penal Code. These provisions cover cheating and criminal conspiracy.
Saifullizan also urged the public to report suspicious activities.
He highlighted locations such as abandoned factories, newly developed housing areas, quiet apartment buildings and resorts. Residents should alert authorities if they notice unusual activities or large groups of foreign nationals at these premises.
Separate Sibu raid uncovers RM9.7 million in goods
In a separate operation, Sarawak police recorded their largest seizure of the year involving untaxed cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.
The seizure involved goods worth RM9.7 million.
Marine police from Region 5 in Sibu conducted the raid at a private jetty along Jalan Sungai Mauh on Nov 7.
During the operation, officers noticed a local man in his 20s acting suspiciously near a shipping container.
A closer inspection uncovered various types of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes believed to be untaxed. The man could not produce documents to support the storage of the goods.
Police detained him and seized the items for investigation under the Customs Act 1967.
The two operations highlight Sarawak police efforts to tackle online fraud and illegal trade across the state.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
