Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan looking at some of the items seized after crippling an investment scam call center at Sungai Buloh. Looking on is his deputy Deputy Comm Datuk S. Sasikala Devi.—LOW BOON TAT/THE STAR
SHAH ALAM: An investment scam syndicate responsible for at least RM2mil in losses has been crippled following a police operation in Subang Jaya that hauled in 101 suspects.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said they raided two shoplots at USJ1 at around 12.20pm on Monday (Aug 7) following intelligence-gathering and investigations.
"The shoplots were being used as call centres by the syndicate and we arrested 65 men and 36 women aged between 19 and 41.
"They worked at the call centre as managers, IT technicians and customer service operators," he told reporters at state police headquarters here on Thursday (Aug 10).
He said they also seized 94 computers, 47 telephones, 96 mobile phones, a modem and a router.
"Based on our investigations, the call centre had been operating for over a year under the name GCM Asia.
"They used social media and the Internet to promote investment schemes," he said, adding that the operators would call up potential investors and try to convince them to make investments through a mobile phone application.
He said the call centre was believed to have been the first level of the syndicate's organisation.
"These workers were also given two weeks of training before starting work.
"At least 70 of the suspects we arrested believed the company they were working for was genuine.
"Checks revealed the shoplots used had proper permits to operate and even had a business licence," he said, adding that potential investors would make payments for bogus forex, gold, oil and share investments.
He said they were promised high returns.
"Our checks found the syndicate has been responsible for over RM2mil in losses so far.
"Some of the bank accounts used were also connected to previous online sales and job scams.
"They targeted Malaysians and the victims who have come forward are from Selangor (anong) other states," he said, adding that police were now working to identify the mastermind.
He urged the public to be cautious when looking for work on social media offering high pay.
"Those looking to make investments should also take precautions by checking with the relevant agencies if it is genuine or bogus.
"Those trying to set up scam bases in Selangor should think again as we will not hesitate to take stern and swift action without compromise," he said.
