KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — Police have busted an online investment scam syndicate operating through a call centre following three separate raids in Sitiawan and Lumut on May 8, according to Sinar Harian.

Manjung police chief ACP Hasbullah Abd Rahman said the raids were carried out by officers and personnel from the district police headquarters’ Commercial Crime Investigation Division and Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division.

He said the operation led to the arrest of 10 Chinese men and three Chinese women, aged between 23 and 46, believed to be involved in non-existent online investment scams.

“Also seized during the operation were two vehicles, 44 mobile phones, 11 laptops, two WiFi modems and an access card for the premises,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Hasbullah said initial investigations found the syndicate was using the premises as a “calling centre” to run online investment scams.

According to the report, the group targeted victims from the United States and several European countries using Telegram and WhatsApp to search for potential customers.

He said the syndicate is believed to have deceived victims by offering investment opportunities through fake websites before persuading them to make financial transactions.

He said all suspects have been remanded for six days until May 14 to assist investigations under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and Section 120B of the Penal Code for criminal conspiracy.

Hasbullah advised the public to remain cautious and not be easily deceived by online investment offers promoted on social media.

He said the public should verify investment schemes with authorities such as the police, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia before participating.

He also urged those with information related to commercial crimes to contact the nearest police station or the Manjung district police headquarters operations room at 05-688 6222 or via WhatsApp hotline at 017-682 8005.