Police said the victims were tourists from Taiwan, the Netherlands and Syria, aged between 29 and 52. They were allegedly “put under a spell” (pukau) when their money was stolen, Bernama reported.

Acting state police chief Alwi Zainal Abidin said the suspects would approach foreign tourists for a conversation before asking them to reveal what cash they had.

“The suspects would then discreetly take the money and leave the scene. The victims only realised their money was gone after the suspects had left,” he said.

Alwi said the five suspects were a married couple, two men and a woman, all aged between 19 and 35, who were detained at the Gurney Plaza area. They have been remanded for four days.

Police also seized multiple foreign currencies, two vehicles, and a packet of cannabis. Two of the suspects tested positive for THC, a compound found in cannabis.

Alwi advised the public to be vigilant when dealing with unknown individuals, and to safeguard their valuables at all times.