By Yusrin Junaidi
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, DEC 10 – A total of 12 local citizens were arrested for being suspected of being the account donkey for a cyber crime syndicate in an incident that occurred from November 13 to December 5.
In a statement issued by the Cyber Crime Investigation Division (BSJS) of the Royal Brunei Police Force (PPDB) that the number of arrests consisted of 8 men and 4 women with an age range of 23 to 53 years.
The modus operandi of those caught is to rent out bank accounts and also register SIM cards to strangers by charging a fee as a commission.
The SIM cards were used to defraud while the bank accounts were used to divert the fraudulent proceeds before being transferred to an unknown person.
One of those arrested was found to have accessed the bank account of a close family member to transfer money to another account. Preliminary investigations into these cases have revealed losses exceeding five thousand ringgit.
Those arrested will be brought to court for the offense of Section 109 Aiding and abetting in any offence, Section 120B Criminal Conspiracy, Section 414 Assisting in the concealment or disposal of stolen property, Section 419 / 420 Fraud under the Criminal Code Chapter 22, Section 5 of the Misappropriation Act Computer Chapter 194 which is unauthorized access to bank accounts and Section 3 Money Laundering below Criminal Assets Recovery Order (CARO), 2012.
The Police would like to remind the public not to be easily deceived and trapped in bank account rental schemes, registering SIM cards for strangers.
The public is also reminded not to follow investment schemes or money loans on social media sites and to always be vigilant and protect personal information from anyone known from social media.
PPDB will continue to monitor and take decisive action against cybercrime perpetrators to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. The public’s cooperation is greatly appreciated in raising awareness of this scam tactic among family and friends. Common awareness and vigilance is the key to preventing such crimes from continuing to spread.
