Kedah police bust online scam syndicate posing as Indian police officers

Kedah police have dismantled an online scam syndicate that posed as Indian police officers, arresting 48 individuals in a raid on a business premises in Kulim, Bandar Putra. The operation, conducted at 8pm last Friday, saw the apprehension of seven locals, eight Indian nationals, and 33 Pakistani nationals. According to Kedah Police Chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah, the syndicate had been active since late August, operating from a three-story shoplot and deceiving Indian victims through the Telegram app by pretending to be Indian police officers.

They allegedly asked victims to transfer money into provided bank accounts for a supposed police investigation. The suspects, aged between 20 and 43, claimed they were recruited after applying for jobs on social media and were promised salaries of RM2,500 to RM3,500 a month. Police found that the members lacked valid travel documents for entering Malaysia.

So far, 73 victims have been affected, with losses totaling nearly RM1.4 million. Police seized 89 mobile phones, seven laptops, modems, monitors, Indian police uniforms, Indian flags, Indian Central Bureau of Investigation flags, and other items, valued at RM70,000. Adzli further disclosed that follow-up arrests were made on the same night, targeting two local men and three local women aged 44 to 51, who were found to have no criminal records.

The operation was a result of public information, and the police urged the public to stay alert and report any scam activities to enable prompt action.