A kidnapping syndicate is believed to be using social media platforms to befriend potential victims before luring them to Malaysia with promises of jobs, holidays and social activities.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar said the syndicate allegedly used platforms including Telegram, WeChat and Badoo to identify and approach targets before persuading them to meet or travel to Malaysia.
“Once they arrive in Malaysia, one of the female suspects, believed to be in her 30s, will accompany the victim before the victim is moved from one house to another,” he said during a press conference at Bukit Aman today.
Investigations found that the group allegedly used homestays as locations to hold victims captive.
“After meeting the suspects, the victims would be detained and forced to reveal their banking information. They would also be instructed to contact family members and friends to request ransom payments in exchange for their release,” Kumar said.
He urged the public to exercise extreme caution when dealing with people they meet online, particularly strangers offering attractive employment or holiday opportunities.
“Always remain suspicious and avoid forming close connections with individuals you do not know,” he advised.
The warning follows a recent police operation in which two kidnapping victims were rescued from a house in Taman Amira, Telaga Bata, Alor Setar, Kedah, last Friday. The victims were reportedly found blindfolded and handcuffed.
One of the victims, a 72-year-old Singaporean man, was allegedly offered a job in Malaysia before being held captive after arriving in Penang on July 26.
The syndicate reportedly instructed him to contact his family and demand a ransom of SG$1 million, equivalent to around RM3.2 million.
The case highlights the risks of accepting unsolicited offers from strangers online, particularly when the offer involves travelling to another country or meeting someone in person.
