KUCHING: Sarawak police have identified several locals involved with a fraud syndicate which led to the arrest of 47 Malaysians working in Cambodia on Dec 11.
State Commercial Crimes Investigation Department chief Supt Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah said this was based on an initial investigation after eight of the victims came forward to lodge police reports.
"The victims were enticed into working in the hotel industry in Cambodia with monthly salaries of between US$1,200 to US$1,500, but they were required to deposit processing fees of between US$200 to US$300 into a local bank account.
"The victims then flew separately to the Siem Reap International Airport, in Cambodia between October and November 2018.
"Upon arriving at Siem Reap International Airport, they were taken to a house where meals were provided and they were not allowed to go out. Their phones and passports were held by an individual who would monitor them," he said in a statement here today.
Mustafa said based on the victims’ statements, they were made to memorise scripts and impersonate bank officers, court officials and personnel from other departments for the purpose of deceiving victims. -- Bernama