JOHOR BARU – Four teenagers believed linked to a syndicate selling falsified International Trade and Industry Ministry and employer approval letters for the purpose of undertaking interstate travel were arrested around the city on August 5.
Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the suspects – including two girls – aged 16 to 19 were nabbed by the state Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) with the assistance of the Bukit Aman CCID between 8.30pm and 10.30pm.
He told a press conference here today that the syndicate, believed to have been active since March, has sold over 200 falsified documents throughout the peninsula, raking in a profit of RM37,500.
“Their modus operandi is to advertise their services on social media, including Instagram, Facebook and WeChat. The fake documents are sold at RM150.
“The four individuals received a commission of between RM50 and RM100 for each document sold.”
The travel letters also bear QR codes, complicating police’s efforts to detect the fake documents, he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Ayob Khan said police are tracking down 21-year-old Nicholas Chai Jia Han, believed to be the syndicate’s mastermind.
Chai’s last known address is No. 49 in Jalan Bukit Kontang, Taman Ria, Tangkak.
Those with information on him are urged to contact officer Timmy Anak Aheng at 019-777-3728 or any police station.
On another case, Ayob Khan said three local men, aged 27 to 47, were arrested on August 18 on suspicion of involvement in illegal moneylending since 2019, targeting petty traders.
“Until now, 80 repeat borrowers have been traced, with loans totalling RM1.5 million,” he said, adding that the case will be investigated under Section 5(2) of the Moneylenders Act 1951. – Bernama, August 23, 2021
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