A 23-year-old Malaysian man is believed to be the mastermind behind an organised online sexual extortion syndicate that allegedly scammed victims of more than RM3 million over the past year.
According to China Press, Inspector-General of Police Mohd Khalid Ismail said the syndicate had been operating since last year and was led the 23-year-old suspect.
The group consisted of 11 members aged between 18 and 37.
“The group actively targeted victims online and caused financial losses exceeding RM3 million,” he said during a press conference at Bukit Aman Police Headquarters yesterday (Feb 9).
How it works
Police revealed that the syndicate created fake social media accounts and impersonated women to gain victims’ trust. Victims were then persuaded to engage in explicit video calls.
At the same time, the suspects would send phishing links to victims, allowing them to hack into the victims’ mobile phones and access personal data.
After recording the explicit videos, the syndicate would threaten to expose the footage unless payments were made.
Fearing embarrassment and reputational damage, many victims complied with the demands and transferred money as instructed.
More suspects wanted
Police launched a special operation known as Op Bugil, which led to the arrest of six local men on the 15th of last month. The suspects were detained under the Security Measures (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).
Authorities are now hunting for another six men, including the alleged mastermind. Police have released photos of the wanted suspects and issued a nationwide manhunt.
Police believe the suspects are still in Malaysia, although they do not rule out the possibility that some may have fled overseas.
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