Law enforcement in Malaysia conducted a crackdown on illicit gaming activities during the Lunar New Year festivities, apprehending 904 individuals. The operation, dubbed “Op Limau” (lime, a traditional symbol of fortune during the New Year), took place between January 15th and 29th. Authorities carried out 137 raids, confiscating more than 500,000 Malaysian Ringgit (approximately $120,000 USD) in cash and gambling equipment. The individuals detained are currently under investigation for potential breaches of Malaysia’s stringent gambling regulations.
“The objective of this operation was to suppress gambling operations throughout the holiday period,” stated a law enforcement representative.
Concurrently, in India, Hyderabad police dismantled a separate online gambling syndicate, detaining eight individuals from Noida. This group orchestrated elaborate schemes employing fraudulent online gaming and wagering applications. They enticed victims through sophisticated websites and social media promotions. Law enforcement seized nearly 200 mobile devices, 21 laptops, and froze numerous bank accounts, underscoring the magnitude of their operation. The syndicate was collaborating with international fraudsters. They are now facing significant accusations related to fraud and infringements of India’s information technology laws.
Digital security specialists are raising concerns about a particularly cunning new scam. Fraudsters are crafting the appearance of a genuine company, frequently employing fabricated endorsements and manufactured records of past dealings. They may even permit individuals to “succeed” with minor sums at first, making the entire scheme seem credible. However, it’s all a deceptive front. As the specialists caution, “The perpetrators are manipulating the system. They dictate who succeeds and fails, and they’re simply employing these strategies to pilfer people’s funds.”