KUALA LUMPUR: Fifteen Indian nationals were detained in connection with a tourism package scam, says Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf.
The Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director said the suspects -12 men and three women - were detained following a raid at an office in the city on July 1.
"We seized various items including 17 mobile phones, four tourism package brochures, 15 name cards and a laptop from the premises," he told a press conference on Friday (July 12).
Initial investigations revealed that the syndicate had been operating since early this year, he said.
"The company promoted tourism packages targeting foreigners by disturbing brochures.
"Those interested would have to find out more at the syndicate's office.
"The syndicate offered three packages - RM50,000 for 50 days, RM25,000 for 40 days and RM14,000 for 14 days, - to any country in the world.
"Checks revealed the company did not have any licence to operate," he said.
Comm Ramli said two police reports have been ldoged involving RM14,000 in losses.
"All those detained have been remanded until July 20," he said.
Meanwhile, in another case, an Ah Long gang was busted with the arrest of seven individuals following a raid on a residential premises in Cheras on July 2, Comm Ramli said.
"We detained seven men and three women aged between 13 and 30 years old.
"We also seized various items, including four computers, a modem, a router and an access card," he said.
The syndicate has been operating since three months ago and targeting local victims, he said.
"They would advertise on Facebook and those interested had to contact them via WhatsApp.
"They offered between RM500 and RM10,000 in loans with interests of between 10% and 15%.
"The case is classified under Section 5(2) of the Moneylenders Act 1951," he said.
