Penang: Penang recorded more than RM112 million in losses from cybercrime cases involving online financial fraud in the first six months of this year, with the situation seen to be worsening. Acting Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin revealed this alarming statistic, noting a significant increase from the RM70.1 million recorded in the same period last year, marking a rise of RM42.9 million.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang police have been actively tackling the issue by conducting eight successful raids on call centre syndicates within this period. These operations have led to the arrest of 75 individuals, comprising 51 men and 24 women. Of those apprehended, 39 are locals while 36 are foreigners. Mohd Alwi emphasized the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle fraudulent syndicates and urged the public to remain vigilant, advising them to verify suspicious communications with official sources.

In a separate matter, Mohd Alwi disclosed that police are investigating an illegal money-lending syndicate linked to a fire incident involving three terrace houses in Tasek Gelugor on June 24. Two men in their 20s have been arrested on suspicion of committing arson, and investigations revealed that a borrower was among the victims of the fire. The case is being investigated under Section 436 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire.

Furthermore, Mohd Alwi mentioned that efforts to apprehend two suspects involved in a separate shooting incident on July 1, in front of a primary school in Sungai Nyior, are still ongoing. The suspects had fired shots at a four-wheel drive vehicle, and the police are continuing their search.