7 suspects remanded in connection with online job scam syndicate

Kuching Court Complex (File Photo)

KUCHING, Aug 27: Seven individuals, including five men and two women, have been further remanded for two days in connection with a syndicate that allegedly deceived victims by offering fake online jobs, with payments made in cryptocurrency (USDT).

The suspects, four from Johor, one from Melaka, and two from Singkawang, Indonesia, are under investigation for their involvement in the fraudulent scheme.

On Aug 22, a Chinese female suspect disclosed during an interview that additional syndicate members were operating from a neighbouring house.

Acting on this lead, a team from the Operations Intelligence Division of the Sarawak Police Headquarters and the Padawan Commercial Crime Investigation Department raided a residence at Dbelle Blessed Residence.

Evidence of an online job scam was uncovered during the operation.

Preliminary analysis by a Social Media Analysis Expert revealed that the syndicate operated through the website ‘indatalabsaue.com’ and WhatsApp.

The scam primarily targeted German nationals, offering them online jobs that involved completing simple tasks, such as clicking buttons on a website. Victims were promised daily commissions paid in USDT cryptocurrency.

Investigators discovered further evidence of the scam on a computer monitor at the scene, confirming the syndicate’s fraudulent activities.

As the investigation continues, the police have requested an extension of the remand for all suspects.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which addresses cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.

Investigating Officer Inspector Hazimah Masjaya applied for the remand extension, while the suspects are being represented by counsel Ralph Lee. — DayakDaily