KOTA KINABALU: Sabah police crippled a Macau Scam syndicate here with the arrests of 80 Chinese nationals during raids carried out here and in Penampang, earlier this week.
Of those arrested, 70 had no identification documents, while 10 were carrying expired passports. The group comprises 67 men and 13 women between the ages of 17 and 33, Bernama reported.
In Penampang, personnel from the state’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department raided eleven condominium units along Jalan Lintass on Wednesday, finding all the suspects in eight of the units.
Authorities also discovered and confiscated a number of mobile phones, laptops, sim cards, calling scripts as well cash in various currencies.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah said the raids were launched based on a police report made by a 60-year-old man who had had been targeted by the syndicate and was scammed out of RM1.4 million.
He added that all the suspects are under remand until Oct 27; and that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code and the Immigration Act.