KUALA LUMPUR: A cryptocurrency investment scam call centre operating in the city was busted by police, leading to the arrest of 21 people of various nationalities.

Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said two raids were conducted on Aug 19, at two separate locations, here.

The raids resulted in the arrest of a Malaysian man, 16 men and a woman from China, a man from Hong Kong, a woman from Laos, and a man from Myanmar.

"The individuals, aged between 22 and 37, were believed to be employed as customer service agents at the call centre. The local man was reportedly serving as the caretaker or runner for the centre.

"During the operations, authorities seized 17 computer sets, 55 mobile phones of various brands, one router, a set of house keys, and two alarm units.

"The call centre had only been in operation for less than a month. The syndicate chose a luxury bungalow with dual high-security fences, located far from the main road, to conceal their activities from the authorities," he told reporters.

Investigations revealed that the call centre's primary function was to target victims through social media platforms such as Tinder and 9monster, luring them into investing in cryptocurrency through applications like Bitbank and CoinCheck.

Ramli said the syndicate targeted Japanese citizens.

"The syndicate members entered Malaysia using social visit passes and were paid on a commission basis, receiving 20 per cent of the money successfully swindled," he added.

The Malaysian, he said, was released on police bail on Aug 25, after his remand order expired, while the 20 foreigners are still in remand, under the Immigration Act 1959/63.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

Meanwhile, Ramli also suggested that there should be legal amendments to hold property owners accountable under the "know your customer" principle.

"Property owners should be aware if their premises are being used for scams. They (owners) cannot be let off so easily.

"If you want to rent out your property, you must take responsibility when your tenant commits a crime on the premises. Otherwise, they get away with it," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2024/08/1097887/cops-bust-cryptocurrency-investment-scam-malaysian-20-foreigners