Three Arrested In Crackdown On Non-existent Online Loan Syndicate

MELAKA, April 25 (Bernama) -- Police have arrested three men, including an Indonesian national, suspected of being involved in a non-existent online loan syndicate during Op Frontier at a house in Taman Melaka Raya here yesterday.

Melaka Tengah district police chief ACP Christopher Patit said one of the suspects, aged between 22 and 30, was the syndicate’s supervisor, while the other two served as loan agents dealing directly with victims.

He said in the 11 pm operation, the premise was found to have been used as a call centre to carry out non-existent online loan scams since March.

“The syndicate’s modus operandi was to offer non-existent loans via online platforms, using messaging applications and social media, targeting locals as victims.

“Police also seized various equipment used in the operation, including laptops, mobile phones and networking devices, with the total value of the items estimated at RM15,000,” he said in a statement today.

He said all three suspects have been remanded for four days starting today under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code to assist investigations.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for attempting to deceive victims through offers of non-existent online loans.

-- BERNAMA