Police bust online gaming scam syndicate operating from abandoned hotel

SUNGAI PETANI: Police have dismantled an online gaming scam syndicate masterminded by Bangladeshi citizens operating out of an abandoned hotel in Taman Lagenda Indah here.

The 9.30pm raid on Wednesday led to the arrest of four Bangladeshi men, aged between 30 and 53, believed to be working for the syndicate.

Kuala Muda district police chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan said the syndicate is believed to have operated since June, using a dedicated website and WhatsApp to communicate with clients, also believed to be Bangladeshi nationals.

He said the operation was uncovered following public tip-offs regarding suspicious movements at the hotel premises, which had been defunct since 2022.

"Checks revealed that the premises were used as a call centre handling top-ups for online gaming points tied to non-existent monetary rewards.

"The syndicate is believed to have targeted between 18 and 50 customers daily.

"Preliminary findings show that about 17 customer accounts a day faced delayed withdrawals, resulting in them not receiving the promised money, with estimated losses of about RM2,000 a day. The total actual losses are still being verified," he said at a press conference at the Kuala Muda district police headquarters yesterday.

Hanyan said the four detained Bangladeshi men each earned about RM2,700 per month.

Police also seized 17 mobile phones, four computer processing units, eight monitors, two modems, a laptop, and RM2,442 in cash.

"The total value of the seized items is estimated at RM18,000," he said.

Hanyan said police arrested two local men, aged between 40 and 50, two days ago, who were believed to be involved in renting out the premises.

He said one of them is believed to be the property owner, while the other acted as an agent or broker managing the rental.

"Police are also investigating the possibility of other parties assisting the syndicate with facilities, including the rental of the premises.

"While the total actual losses remain under investigation, police will collaborate with relevant agencies to inspect the electricity supply status at the premises to determine if any illegal connections were made.

"Police are also scrutinising the background and entry routes of the foreigners into the country, including their purpose of coming to Malaysia," he said.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and Section 120B of the same code for criminal conspiracy.

He advised the public to remain vigilant against unrealistic offers of cash returns or online rewards, and to verify details before making financial transactions.