The Malaysian Police Dismantles Crypto Fraud Call Center in Kuala Lumpur 🚔
The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) recently took down a crypto investment scam call center in Kuala Lumpur that specifically targeted Japanese individuals. Here’s what you need to know:
Crypto Fraud Call Center Operational for a Month 📞
– On August 19, the authorities conducted raids on two luxury residential properties in Kuala Lumpur, resulting in the arrests of 21 individuals aged between 22 and 37.
– The group included a Malaysian man, 16 Chinese nationals (including one woman), a Laotian woman, and one individual each from Hong Kong and Myanmar.
– According to Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, Director of the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), the call center had been active for just a month.
– The foreign suspects served as customer service representatives, while the local man was responsible for managing the call center.
– The syndicate operated out of high-end bungalows with tight security to avoid detection.
– Victims were initially contacted through platforms like Tinder and Monsters and then persuaded to invest using Bitbank and CoinCheck applications.
– Syndicate members entered Malaysia on social visit passes and received 20% commissions on defrauded amounts.
– In addition to the arrests, the police seized various items, including computer systems, mobile phones, and routers.
– While the local suspect was released on bail, the other 20 individuals are still in custody.
Six Malaysians Charged with Kidnapping, Demanding Ransom 🚨
– Separately, six Malaysian nationals, including a couple, were charged with kidnapping and demanding a ransom of 1 million USDT from a Chinese citizen.
– The suspects, aged between 25 and 29, allegedly abducted the victim at an expressway exit between Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Crackdown on Illegal Crypto-Mining Operations 💰
– Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir revealed that the country faced a loss of $723 million due to electricity theft related to illegal crypto-mining between 2018 and 2023.
– Malaysian authorities have been actively combating cryptocurrency mining operations since 2019, following the country’s criminal procedure laws.
– Some seized mining machines have been destroyed using a steamroller.
– In addition to cracking down on illegal mining, regulators have taken action against unregistered crypto exchanges.
– Last year, Huobi Global was ordered to halt operations by the Securities Commission Malaysia for failing to register its services.
– Currently, only HATA Digital, Luno, SINEGY, MX Global, Tokenize Technology, and Torum International are registered crypto trading platforms in Malaysia.
Hot Take: Stay Informed, Stay Safe 🔥
When engaging with cryptocurrencies or any investment opportunity, it’s crucial to stay informed about potential scams and illegal activities. By being aware of ongoing crackdowns on fraudulent operations, you can protect yourself and your investments from falling victim to such schemes. Stay safe, stay vigilant.
Sources:
– The Edge Malaysia
– Akmal Nasir Twitter
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