TAWAU: The cunning tactics of an online fraud syndicate posing as Chinese police officers were uncovered following a recent police raid at a resort here, prompting various reactions from the community.
Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto, an advisor to the Sabah Drug Prevention and Crime Organization (PPDDS), stated that the success in dismantling this operation deserves commendation, yet it also highlights the serious level of scamming crimes that are increasingly rampant in the area.
He noted that the arrest of approximately 80 individuals during the integrated operation indicates that the fraud syndicate’s activities are no longer on a small scale, but rather have become organized and systematic.
“This is not an isolated issue. It clearly demonstrates that Tawau is now facing a very concerning cybercrime threat that requires comprehensive action,” he said when contacted today.
Mohd. Zaki also expressed concern over the external perception that is beginning to label Tawau as a ‘scammer headquarters’, with some even referring to it as the second ‘Myanmar’ due to the rise in online fraud cases.
He mentioned that such perceptions, if not addressed, could negatively impact the image of the area and undermine investor confidence and the local tourism sector.
“Labels like this are very worrying. They not only tarnish Tawau’s reputation but also create the impression that this area has become a hub for fraud syndicates,” he explained.
In this regard, he emphasized that authorities need to focus on efforts to identify the real masterminds behind these activities, rather than merely detaining individuals involved at the lower levels.
He stated that decisive action against the ‘brains’ of the syndicate is crucial to breaking the crime chain and ensuring that similar activities do not recur in the future.
