(Bandar Seri Begawan, 26th) The Royal Brunei Police Force has issued a statement indicating that cases of online scams involving the use of 'mule accounts' have increased significantly in the first four months of this year.
From January to April 2026, police received multiple reports of individuals using personal bank accounts to transfer and conceal criminal proceeds. These accounts were either rented out or transferred to third parties by the account holders, who were unaware of the serious legal consequences involved.
It is estimated that total losses during this period exceeded BND 1 million, fully demonstrating that this type of crime constitutes a serious threat to society and the national economy.
Upon investigation, police arrested 45 suspects, including 25 males and 20 females aged between 18 and 59 years old. They are suspected of leasing their accounts for online scam activities. All suspects are under investigation according to the Criminal Code (Chapter 22), the Computer Misuse Act (Chapter 194), and the Criminal Asset Recovery Order 2012.
In these cases, the criminal group lured others into using their bank accounts by offering high rewards through fake job opportunities, bogus investments, and suspicious financial instructions.
The police emphasized that renting, lending, or transferring your bank account to another person—even under the pretense of 'helping' or 'earning easy money'—is a serious criminal offense. Those involved may be deemed to have abetted the crime and may face legal sanctions, regardless of whether they participated directly in the scam.
Therefore, the police urge the public to remain vigilant at all times and never disclose bank information, ATM cards, passwords, or account access to anyone. The public is also advised to refuse any suspicious proposals involving others using their bank accounts.
The police will continue to intensify enforcement and will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone participating in such activities. Members of the public who have information related to online fraud activities or the use of false accounts are encouraged to call the hotline at 993 or visit the nearest police station to report it.
From January to April 2026, police received multiple reports of individuals using personal bank accounts to transfer and conceal criminal proceeds. These accounts were either rented out or transferred to third parties by the account holders, who were unaware of the serious legal consequences involved.
It is estimated that total losses during this period exceeded BND 1 million, fully demonstrating that this type of crime constitutes a serious threat to society and the national economy.
Upon investigation, police arrested 45 suspects, including 25 males and 20 females aged between 18 and 59 years old. They are suspected of leasing their accounts for online scam activities. All suspects are under investigation according to the Criminal Code (Chapter 22), the Computer Misuse Act (Chapter 194), and the Criminal Asset Recovery Order 2012.
The police emphasized that renting, lending, or transferring your bank account to another person—even under the pretense of 'helping' or 'earning easy money'—is a serious criminal offense. Those involved may be deemed to have abetted the crime and may face legal sanctions, regardless of whether they participated directly in the scam.
Therefore, the police urge the public to remain vigilant at all times and never disclose bank information, ATM cards, passwords, or account access to anyone. The public is also advised to refuse any suspicious proposals involving others using their bank accounts.
The police will continue to intensify enforcement and will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone participating in such activities. Members of the public who have information related to online fraud activities or the use of false accounts are encouraged to call the hotline at 993 or visit the nearest police station to report it.