Love Scam, Online Gambling Ring Leads to Arrests in Kuala Lumpur

Currently, all forms of gambling, including iGaming, are prohibited in Malaysia. Such tough regulations don’t come as a surprise for the Asia region where some countries that offer casinos may restrict the activity to foreigners only. But while online gambling is prohibited, any type of scam or fraud related to gambling is also unlawful, which is a prime reason why a dozen people were recently arrested in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital.

Although details regarding the arrest emerged earlier this week, the actual police raid dates back to May 16. At the time, law enforcement raided a residential unit where a love scam and online gambling syndicate operated. In light of the raid, 12 people, suspected of being involved in unlawful activities, were detained.

Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department’s (CCID) director commissioner, revealed that the people who were detained are suspected of serving as agents of the criminal syndicate, as announced by The Star. The employees, who acted as call center agents, received a commission of 4% on the losses of the victims who were gambling.

In exchange for their services, the call center agents were paid RM2,500 ($531) per month. According to CCID’s director commissioner, the people suspected of being involved in the unlawful activity targeted victims in the United States.

The Call Center Started to Operate in April

They created fake social media profiles and approached unsuspected victims. Once gaining the trust of their victims, the call center agents asked them to gamble online. Yoosuf said that the victims who gambled online lost all of their money. It is yet to be confirmed how many people have fallen victim to the criminal syndicate and what sums are involved.

“The syndicate created fake social media accounts before getting to know victims in the United States.“

Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, director commissioner at CCID

Yoosuf confirmed that the love scam and gambling ring started to operate back in April. The detainees, among who is a woman, may face penalties under Malaysia’s Penal Code Section 511 and Section 420, said the CCID director commissioner.

The dozen suspects who were recently arrested included individuals between the ages of 18 and 43. During the raid, law enforcement seized 33 mobile phones, nine laptops and currency.