August 18, 2010
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News: Major Counterfeit CC Ring Busted
The authorities in Kuala Lumpur had a major conquest as police shut down a global counterfeit credit card ring. During a raid on a personal residence, police arrested Taman Kamunig Utama, Shah Alam, and three other individuals. Along with the accused, police confiscated printers, computers, embossing machines and other equipment the thieves used to produce more than 2,300 counterfeit credit cards. Although the total cost to the credit card companies have not yet been determined, it is estimated that the loss could run as much as RM23millions (U.S. $7,345,671). In addition to the counterfeit cards and machinery, the authorities also seized a number of foreign passports and two automobiles.
The investigation began about a month ago when the manager of the Boulevard Hotel at Mid Valley contacted the authorities about an individual who used an illegal credit card to pay accommodations for three rooms. Later that month, the man again used a counterfeit credit card to pay for accommodations at another area hotel. While the man, Mohd Sabtu, remained at the hotel, management notified the authorities who immediately set up a raid on the three hotel rooms. At that time, Kuala Lumpur Police Chief DCP Datuk Wira Mohd Sabtu Osman said the police arrested Sabtu, a bird cage vendor and his accomplice. The two were later released
During the hotel room raid, police seized a laptop computer which proved to be valuable in leading the authorities to the raid and arrest of the counterfeit credit card ring. One of the defendants has a criminal record and was only just released from prison after a two year sentence for similar charges. Chief Datuk Wira Mohd Sabtu Osman said that they believe the ring has been operating since 2006. Although the five suspects have been apprehended and awaiting official charges, Mohd Sabtu the bird cage vendor is on the loose. The authorities say they are on his trail and expect to have him in custody soon.