Cops bust investment scam ring

SHAH ALAM: An investment scam syndicate responsible for at least RM2mil in losses has been crippled following a police operation in Subang Jaya.

The police arrested 101 people working at two call centres during the operation and seized computers and mobile phones believed to have been used to convince potential investors.

Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the police raided two shop lots at USJ1 at around 12.20pm on Monday following intelligence and investigations.

“The shop lots 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 centres as managers, IT technicians, and customer service operators,” he said at the Selangor police headquarters yesterday.

He added that the police 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.

“It used social media and the Internet to promote investment schemes,” he said, adding that 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 given two weeks of training before they started work.

“At least 70 of the individuals we arrested believed the company they were working for was genuine.

“The shop lot being 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 investors were promised high returns on their investments.

“Our checks revealed that the syndicate was responsible for over RM2mil in losses so far.

“Some of the bank accounts used were also connected to previous online scams.

“They targeted Malaysians and the victims who have come forward are from Selangor as well as several other states,” he said adding that the police were now working to identify the syndicate mastermind.

He urged the public to be cautious when looking for work on social media.

“Those looking to make investments should also take precautions by checking with the relevant agencies to see if it is genuine or bogus.

“Those trying to set up scam bases in Selangor should think again it as we will not hesitate to take stern and swift action without compromise,” he said.