'Friend' impersonation scam targeting Japan busted in Ipoh

IPOH police have dismantled a scam call centre that posed as friends of victims to dupe people in Japan, arresting seven suspects in a raid on Wednesday. The arrested individuals include six Japanese men and a local man, aged between 22 and 58. The operation, conducted by Perak police's D7 unit and the Ipoh Commercial Crime Investigation Division, took place around 3:30pm at a location in Taman Merdeka.

Police believe the syndicate, which began operating in mid-August, was involved in an online identity impersonation scam. They seized 16 mobile phones, a laptop, a WiFi router, and house keys, estimated to be worth RM20,000. Six Japanese suspects were remanded for four days, while the local man was held for one day. The case is under investigation for cheating and criminal conspiracy under the Penal Code.

Perak police plan to continue taking proactive measures against call centres involved in online gambling and fraud. Residents are advised to check the backgrounds of their tenants to prevent their properties from being used for illegal activities. The public is urged to report any information about such premises to their nearest police station.