Perak police chief Noor Hisam Nordin said the arrests come after a 58-year-old housewife was scammed on Aug 12 out of RM240,000.

He said the housewife was tricked by someone who claimed that her bank account was involved in financial criminal activities. In fear, the victim handed over her ATM card, which led to the withdrawal of RM240,000 from her account without her knowledge.

Hisam said those arrested had recruited others to open bank mule accounts for the syndicate’s use, and paid about RM200 to RM300 for each account successfully opened.

He urged the public not to hand over details of their bank accounts or passwords to any other party. “Account holders can be arrested and charged under the law if their accounts are used for criminal activities,” he said.