Cops bust bank account syndicate responsible for losses amounting to RM3.7mil
JOHOR BARU: Police here have busted a syndicate responsible for losses amounting to RM3.7mil with the arrest of 10 of its members in an operation at Taman Perling on Wednesday (Nov 18).
The syndicate – dubbed the “Allan” syndicate – was allegedly responsible for providing bank accounts to scammers.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said that the syndicate’s modus operandi was to pay drug addicts along Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Larkin to open up a bank account.
“The syndicate would then sell these bank accounts to those wanting to use them for Macau scams or scams involving non-existent loans or bogus investments,” he told a press conference on Monday (Nov 23).
Speaking about the arrests, Comm Ayob said that this is the first time that the police have managed to stop such criminal activities.
Comm Ayob said that the syndicate has been active since February and is linked to 91 bank accounts.
He added that each addict would be paid RM200 for making each account.
He said that the arrests began with an inspection of a car in Taman Perling here that led to four people being arrested and the discovery of ATM cards, documents and notebooks that contained details of the account holders.
“The arrest then led to the raids of two houses in Tampoi where another six people were arrested, including two women, ” he said.
He added that all of the suspects arrested are locals, aged from 19 to 41, and that all tested positive for drugs.
Comm Ayob however added that the syndicate’s mastermind remains at large.
“He goes by the nickname of Allan or Frankie, ” said Comm Ayob, adding that anyone with information on him is urged to contact the nearest police station or call investigating officer ASP Timmy Aheng at 019-7773728.
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