KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — The police have busted a cryptocurrency investment syndicate involving over RM50 million in losses, with the arrest of 40 individuals.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said the 31 men and nine women, aged between 20 and 55, were arrested in a three-day nationwide operation from October 29 onwards.
Of those arrested, 38 were business owners, company directors, and company secretaries, while the rest included bank officers and agents scouting for mule account holders.
“This operation was conducted after police received 76 reports from victims of investment schemes, which involved losses totalling RM50,620,880.29.
“The victims, aged between 22 and 81, are mostly retirees and businessmen,” he said during a special media conference today.
The syndicate’s modus operandi was to offer cryptocurrency investments giving high returns in a short period.
“Investors are given access to monitor the cryptocurrency transaction activities in the accounts registered under the investors’ names, but the money cannot be taken out,” Ramli said.
Through the operation, the police also detected a new trend by the syndicate, utilising registered companies and businesses as mule accounts.
“So far, we have traced 73 bank accounts used by the syndicate, involving 51 companies. We believe these companies and businesses were registered simply for carrying out the scam,” he said.
The syndicate would approach individuals facing financial problems or homeless people to use their names for the setting up of companies and then open a company account.
“These individuals will be given a one-off payment or monthly payment. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating,” Ramli said.
— Bernama
