(Bandar Seri Begawan, 11th) The Cyber Crime Investigation Division of the Royal Brunei Police Force's Criminal Investigation Department recently launched an enforcement operation, successfully arresting ten men and women suspected of assisting in online scams. They are believed to have acted as intermediaries for money laundering in 'account mule' activities, helping scam syndicates transfer illicit funds.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects, aged between 23 and 48, are mostly unemployed. In order to receive a weekly payment of about 50 to 100 Brunei dollars, they lent their personal bank accounts or login credentials to third parties, becoming tools for scam syndicates to launder money.
Some individuals were also found to have allegedly committed illegal intrusion into computer systems to help obtain victims' sensitive information. Police have initiated an investigation against the suspects under Chapter 194, Section 8 of the Computer Misuse Act.
Police emphasized that, according to relevant laws, anyone convicted of assisting in the transfer of funds obtained through scams faces a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment, a fine of up to BND 10,000, or both.
The police reminded the public that 'account mules' are not only accomplices to scam crimes but also face serious legal consequences themselves. Police urge everyone not to disclose or lend bank accounts or mobile access codes to others; to be alert to online job scams and quick-money traps; and to report any suspicious transactions to the authorities immediately.
Police stressed that they will continue to step up efforts to combat online scams, prevent more innocent people from being misled, and encourage the public to proactively spread anti-fraud awareness, working together to create a secure financial environment.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects, aged between 23 and 48, are mostly unemployed. In order to receive a weekly payment of about 50 to 100 Brunei dollars, they lent their personal bank accounts or login credentials to third parties, becoming tools for scam syndicates to launder money.
Some individuals were also found to have allegedly committed illegal intrusion into computer systems to help obtain victims' sensitive information. Police have initiated an investigation against the suspects under Chapter 194, Section 8 of the Computer Misuse Act.
Police emphasized that, according to relevant laws, anyone convicted of assisting in the transfer of funds obtained through scams faces a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment, a fine of up to BND 10,000, or both.
The police reminded the public that 'account mules' are not only accomplices to scam crimes but also face serious legal consequences themselves. Police urge everyone not to disclose or lend bank accounts or mobile access codes to others; to be alert to online job scams and quick-money traps; and to report any suspicious transactions to the authorities immediately.
Police stressed that they will continue to step up efforts to combat online scams, prevent more innocent people from being misled, and encourage the public to proactively spread anti-fraud awareness, working together to create a secure financial environment.