The syndicate’s mastermind, a 48-year-old man, was arrested by the MACC, alongside three other women, to assist in investigations.

According to MACC director Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, a special team was formed to track the suspect two months ago when the Commission received information that a man who was posing as a “deputy prosecutor” named Syed Faizal, had demanded for a bribe of up to RM50,000.

“The syndicate had used several bank accounts and ATM cards that were owned by three women. All the money would go through those accounts.

“Several members of the syndicate are still conducting operations. Their movements are currently being tracked,” said MACC in a statement today.

Ahmad Khusairi added that the syndicate’s modus operandi was to contact their victims after trawling through media reports for criminal charges faced by them.

“They then threaten the victims and demand a bribe to retract the charges or reduce the sentences faced. The suspects tell their victims to transfer the bribes into two separate accounts.”

Investigations also revealed that the syndicate members had also disguised themselves as Customs officers and offered to sell cars or seized goods at a low price.

So far three individuals have been cheated out of over RM20,000.

MACC urged members of the public that have been duped by this syndicate to make police reports and contact Assistant Superintendent Tan Ying Hui at 019 5725222.