Three Men Arrested as Police Dismantle Online Scam Gateway Operation in KL and Selangor

IPOH, Aug 16 — Police have arrested three local men aged between 32 and 45 during five coordinated raids across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor for their alleged involvement in an overseas-linked online scam syndicate.

Perak Police Chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin confirmed that the suspects were apprehended at various locations, including Petaling Jaya, Kelana Jaya, Ulu Kelang, Damansara, and Kuala Lumpur, following targeted operations conducted on Thursday (Aug 13).

The crackdown was triggered by a police report lodged on August 1 by a 22-year-old university student who was duped out of RM28,999 after falling victim to a fake law enforcement impersonation scheme.

According to police, the victim received a phone call on July 31 from syndicate members posing as delivery company representatives who falsely claimed that a package containing illegal items had been addressed under his name. The call was subsequently transferred to an accomplice impersonating a police officer, who intimidated the student with allegations of money laundering and threats of immediate prosecution.

“The call was subsequently transferred to an individual posing as a law enforcement officer, who alleged that the victim was also involved in money laundering and intimidated him with threats of arrest and prosecution,” Mohd Alwi stated.

Fearing legal action, the victim followed instructions by transferring RM8,999 into several designated bank accounts and placing gold jewellery valued at approximately RM20,000 outside his residence, after fraudsters promised the cash and valuables would be returned once investigations concluded. He realized he had been cheated when the assets were never returned.

A specialized team from the Commercial Crime Investigation Division at the Kampar District Police Headquarters conducted intelligence-gathering operations that successfully traced the syndicate’s local operational hubs.

During the raids, officers confiscated eight SIM Box units, 11 Starlink satellite internet kits, 509 SIM cards, one laptop, two routers, and five mobile phones. Police believe the high-tech setup served as communication gateways designed to route traffic for scam networks operating from abroad.

“All those arrested were remanded for four days until Monday to assist in the investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code,” Mohd Alwi added.

–NMT