The Immigration Department (JIM) has arrested a total of 164 individuals at 3 resorts in Langkawi who are believed to be part of an online scam syndicate. Of the total, 134 are Malaysians, 27 are Chinese nationals, 2 are Thai nationals and 1 is a Myanmar national.
According to BERNAMA, the arrests were made on Thursday (January 12) as part of a raid mounted by the Putrajaya Intelligence and Special Operations Division. JIM director-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud elaborated that the operation was possible thanks to information channelled by the local community.
Khairul Dzaimee asserted, “As a result of six months of intelligence, JIM managed to detect the activities of the syndicate operating in resorts that have not yet been opened to the public after the Movement Control Order (MCO) period ended.”
“The syndicate, which is believed to have been active since about a year ago, turned the resorts into operation centres and venues to train new members as operators,” he added.
The JIM director-general further elaborated that the syndicate was believed to be masterminded by Chinese nationals who recruited Malaysians to carry out their illegal activities. Their modus operandi was to operate at a site for up to a month before moving on to other locations to avoid being detected by the authorities.
Furthermore, initial investigations found that the syndicate’s operating costs are estimated at RM800,000 per month, involving monthly salaries, accommodation, rent and various other facilities. The operation also found that the Malaysian suspects were paid RM3,000 per month and a commission of RM15 for each person they managed to recruit.
Through the raid, JIM confiscated 756 units of mobile phones, 17 Chinese passports, 150 units of computers and laptops, as well as various other electronic equipment used by the syndicate to carry out its activities.
Checks revealed that the suspects used new passports that had no travel records and medical treatment passes while the rest did not have valid travel documents.
All Chinese nationals detained during the raid are being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Passport Act 1966 while the Malaysian suspects were being detained for further investigation, adding that JIM would also investigate owners of all 3 resorts involved in this case.
So, what do you guys think of the operation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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