Kuching police have arrested six Malaysian nationals in a coordinated crackdown on an online gambling scam that allegedly used multiple WhatsApp accounts to lure victims with fraudulent gaming offers.
According to Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, officers raided a shoplot on Jalan Tun Jugah on Jan 4 and detained four men and two women believed to be working full time for the operation. Officers also seized computers, mobile phones, SIM cards and other equipment used to distribute fake advertisements to the public.
The investigation found that the group operated as a call center that promoted non-existent gambling platforms. Police said the suspects allegedly targeted local residents through repeated WhatsApp messaging, attempting to induce users to participate in fraudulent gaming activity.
The investigation is currently proceeding under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. The charge carries a potential sentence of one to ten years in prison, whipping and a fine upon conviction.
Police are also investigating the case under Section 120(b) of the Penal Code for criminal conspiracy, which is punishable by a fine, imprisonment of up to six months or both.
According to the police chief, all suspects were brought before the Kuching Magistrates Court on Feb 5, where a four-day remand order was approved to facilitate further investigation.
Authorities have reiterated ongoing efforts to curb online fraud operations in Sarawak, including syndicates that attempt to exploit widely used communication platforms such as WhatsApp.
All six suspects are believed to have been directly involved in the daily operations of the syndicate
