Authorities discovered a syndicate promoting prostitution activities online after conducting two separate raids in Kuala Lumpur on 7 June.
According to the Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Kuala Lumpur Senior Assistant Commissioner Saiful Annuar Yusoff, two units at an apartment in Jalan Gombak and a hotel in Jalan Setapak respectively were raided at 10.40pm.
He said that four local men and women and four foreign women aged between 20 and 46 were detained, reported Oriental Daily.
“We also confiscated two laptops, four computers, 19 mobile phones of various brands, a modem, a Gpon Terminal, a TNB electricity bill, an access card, keys and RM1,117 in cash, making the total amount of goods seized worth about RM50,000,” he said.
He added that upon investigation, the syndicate was found to be promoting online prostitution activities via WhatsApp, WeChat and Telegram, according to Harian Metro.
“Investigations also found that the premises involved operated as a call centre and paid rent of RM1,500 per month for each unit,” he said.
“Each employee is also believed to receive a wage of between RM3,000 to RM3,500 a month.”
Saiful Annuar said the group is suspected to earn a monthly profit of about RM100,000 from the online business.
He said all suspects have been arrested and would be remanded for further investigation under Section 372 (1) (e), Section 372B and Section 373 of the Penal Code.
“Besides that, the case is also being investigated under Section 6 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for the offence of not having a valid pass or permit to stay in Malaysia,” he said.
“We strongly warn the public to not get involved in any prostitution activities as stern action will be taken against the organisers, premises owners, employees or customers in an effort to combat prostitution in Kuala Lumpur.”
He then urged the public to contact the Kuala Lumpur Police JSJ 24 Hour Special Operations Room at 03-21460670 or the Kuala Lumpur Police Hotline at 03-2115 9999 if they have further information regarding the case or any similar activities.
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