KUANTAN: Twenty people, including five foreigners, have been detained for alleged involvement in a non-existent investment scam that targetted men from a neighbouring country, especially those looking for matrimonial partners online.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the suspects, aged between 17 and 31, were detained during a raid carried out at 6.30pm on Oct 5, at a premises in Genting Highlands.
"The syndicate that has been active since August, would pick their victims at random and after being acquainted for some time, would offer the online investment application," he told reporters after attending the state police contingent’s monthly gathering at the Pahang Police headquarters here today (Oct 10).
During the raid, police seized 19 laptops, 69 smartphones, a passport and an access card to the premises. The estimated losses incurred are still being investigated.
All the suspects, including some who have previous criminal records for cheating and drug related offences, are remanded until Oct 12, for investigations.
Meanwhile, Yahaya said according to the Pahang Commercial Crimes Investigation Department’s statistics, a total of 6,049 reported, mostly related to online scams and involving RM42.9mil in losses, were reported from January to September. - Bernama
