A foreign national suspected of being involved in a Macau Scam syndicate that caused losses exceeding BND240,000 has been arrested by the Cyber Crime Investigation Division (BSJS) of the Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ), Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), according to a press release from RBPF. The suspect was apprehended on March 12, marking a significant breakthrough in dismantling the fraudulent network that operated between November 2024 and March 2025.
The syndicate used a modus operandi where victims were contacted via phone by individuals posing as bank officers, claiming that the victims had outstanding credit card debts or owned unauthorised credit cards. The call would then be “transferred” to another syndicate member impersonating a police officer, who would inform the victim that their bank account was allegedly linked to criminal activities. The fraudsters would then demand personal information and instruct the victims to transfer or withdraw money under the guise of security procedures.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate, linked to the arrested suspect, was involved in 38 fraud cases. Authorities also identified 42 local phone numbers used by the syndicate, along with various equipment and residences utilised for their operations. Some of the illicit funds have been successfully traced.
The suspect will be charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22, for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine.
The RBPF said that the BSJS continues to investigate the case to identify other victims who have yet to report their losses and to track down additional syndicate members. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant against scams and avoid renting out or registering bank accounts or SIM cards on behalf of unknown individuals, as those found guilty could face legal action under various offences, including conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering.
To protect against Macau Scam fraud, the public is advised to remain calm and verify any suspicious calls by directly contacting banks or the police through official channels. It is also crucial to avoid transferring money or handing over cash to unknown individuals. The RBPF remains committed to combating such scams and encourages the public to spread awareness among family and friends to prevent further victims. – James Kon
