KUCHING: Eight people believed to be working for an online love scam call centre targeting victims overseas, have been arrested in a raid at an apartment along Jalan Song.
The suspects comprised three locals — two men and a woman — and five foreign men, all aged between 21 and 26.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said they were detained after a team from the district Criminal Investigation Division (CID) raided the apartment at around 11pm on Sept 1.
Also seized in the operation were laptops, phones and other devices believed to have been used to run the alleged scam operation.
“Preliminary checks and analysis found that the syndicate operated as a call centre carrying out online love scam activities targeting victims from overseas.
“All eight suspects were believed to have been working full-time in the operation.
“The suspects were brought before the Kuching Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Sept 2), where police obtained a four-day remand order to facilitate further investigations,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
If convicted, they can face up to 10 years in prison, whipping and a fine.
Police are also investigating the case under Section 120(b) of the Penal Code for criminal conspiracy, which carries a jail term of up to six months, a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Alexson urged the public to come forward with information on criminal activities and assist police in their efforts to prevent crime.
Information can be channelled to any nearby police station or Kuching police operations centre at 082-244444.
