Bukit Aman team going to Pakistan over 130 detained M’sians

The commercial crime investigation department of Bukit Aman is set to dispatch a team to Pakistan shortly due to the detention of 130 Malaysians in the country. Director Rusdi Isa revealed that 107 of the detainees had overstayed their visas, while the remaining 23 possessed valid visas. The team will liaise with Pakistani authorities, collect statements, and scrutinize seized devices to unravel the syndicate's modus operandi.

This includes examining instances where Malaysian police uniforms were allegedly misused to deceive victims. Rusdi Isa emphasized the importance of gathering evidence to understand the syndicate's operations, including the role of individuals who facilitated the Malaysians' entry into Pakistan. The arrests were disclosed to the Malaysian police only after their detention on October 13, despite the initial raid taking place in late October.

The identities of the detainees were established through collaboration among local police, embassies, and Interpol. Of the 130 individuals, 92 had no criminal history in Malaysia, while the remaining 38 had records for offenses like drugs, fraud, and gambling. Two detainees are currently wanted by Malaysian authorities on fraud charges in Sabah.

Additionally, 107 of the detainees had overstayed their visas in Pakistan, with the rest having valid visas or extensions, and one lacking valid travel documents. The Malaysians were transported to Pakistan in waves from June 8 to September 29, with the peak arrival occurring on August 3, totaling 53 individuals. Pakistani authorities had previously raided a call center in Rawalpindi, Bahria Town Phase VIII, suspected of conducting financial fraud, targeting Malaysian victims.

The syndicate allegedly impersonated bank customer service and police officers through false money laundering allegations to ensnare victims.