Police have dismantled an international online investment fraud syndicate operating from four luxury bungalows in Batu 10, Jalan Apas, following a late-night raid that led to the arrest of 28 foreign nationals.
The operation, carried out at about 9.30pm, was conducted by the Commercial Crime Investigation Division (BSJK) of the Tawau district police headquarters together with the Strike Team and Task Force from the Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) Tawau.
A total of 26 Chinese nationals, one Chinese woman and one Vietnamese woman, aged between 21 and 59, were detained during the raid.
Authorities said the luxury properties were being used as operational bases, training centres and accommodation for members of the syndicate.
Police also seized 33 mobile phones, three laptops and two WiFi modems believed to have been used in carrying out the fraudulent activities.
Siasatan awal mendapati sindiket itu dipercayai menjalankan penipuan pelaburan saham dalam talian menggunakan pelbagai platform komunikasi termasuk Telegram, WhatsApp dan KakaoTalk to deceive victims into investing money.
Investigators believe the main targets of the syndicate were victims from South Korea.
The raid also involved assistance from a social media expert to support the investigation into the group’s online activities.
All suspects were brought before the Magistrate’s Court in Tawau on Thursday morning for remand application.
Magistrate Dayang Aidaku Amira Aminuddin granted a four-day remand order until Monday to facilitate further investigations.
Police said investigations are ongoing, including recording statements from all suspects, tracking remaining syndicate members still at large, and identifying the wider network involved in the scam operation.
