Latest news with #CyberCrimeInvestigationDivision
The Star
11-07-2025
- The Star
Ten held in Brunei for alleged involvement as money mules
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Cyber Crime Investigation Division under the Criminal Investigation Department of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) has detained 10 individuals for allegedly acting as money mules in connection with fraudulent activities. According to the RBPF, the suspects are believed to have knowingly shared their bank account credentials—including passwords and access codes—with criminal syndicates, enabling illicit financial transactions in exchange for monetary rewards. 'Money mules' or 'account mules' refer to individuals who provide access to their bank accounts to be used by others, often for the purpose of receiving or transferring funds derived from scams and fraud. Preliminary investigations revealed that most of the suspects were unemployed and had agreed to participate in the scheme to earn between BND50 and BND100 weekly. Some of the individuals are also suspected of aiding unauthorised access to computer systems, further compounding the severity of the offences. The suspects, aged between 23 and 48, are being investigated under Section 8 of the Computer Misuse Act, Chapter 194, which prohibits providing account access for the purpose of fraudulently transferring money. If convicted, offenders may face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine not exceeding BND10,000, or both. The RBPF has reminded the public to remain vigilant and not to share personal banking information with unknown individuals or parties. Assisting in fraudulent transactions, even passively, is a serious offence under the law. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
09-07-2025
- The Star
Bruneian woman detained in BND133,000 fraud case
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Personnel from the Cyber Crime Investigation Division under the Criminal Investigation Department at the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) detained a 52-year-old local woman, on suspicion of being involved in a fraud case involving 11 victims between 2024 and 2025. RBPF investigations revealed that Lim Yok Yuan (pic) used a modus operandi of contacting victims via WhatsApp and deceiving them into investing in various fake business schemes. These included restaurant investments, goods imported from China and in some cases, posing as an agent for domestic helper employment. The victims were asked to make payments via bank transfers or in cash. The proposed business deals were found to be non-existent. The suspect is being investigated under Section 420 of Chapter 22 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property. If found guilty, the offence carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine. The Cyber Crime Investigation Division is continuing its investigation into the cases, which have resulted in losses amounting to approximately BND133,000 (US$103,986). - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
31-05-2025
- The Star
Malaysian man involved in online Macau scam sentenced to seven years' jail in Brunei
Royal Brunei Police Force personnel escort the suspect to a police cell. - Photo: RBPF BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: A Malaysian national believed to be involved in an online Macau scam produced before court on May 17 was sentenced to a seven year jail term by Magistrate Nur Eleana Hairol Arni. The man faced nine charges under Section 420 and 109 of Chapter 22 of the Penal Code, as well as the Criminal Asset Recovery Order, 2012, related to money laundering. Deputy Public Prosecutors Emily Goh and Mohammad Syafi'e Mirhan led the prosecution. The suspect was apprehended by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) on March 21, following an investigation by the Cyber Crime Investigation Division under the Criminal Investigation Department. As part of ongoing efforts, the Interpol Unit under RBPF is working with foreign agencies to trace and extradite other suspects believed to be still at large overseas. Authorities have reported several cases where scammers impersonated bank officers or police personnel to deceive victims. The modus operandi is the victims are falsely informed they are involved in credit card debt or money laundering and are tricked into transferring money online or handing over cash to unknown individuals. To date, over 50 such cases have been reported, with local victims suffering losses exceeding BND1 million. The RBPF urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal or financial information over calls or messages from unknown sources. Members of the public are advised to confirm with official authorities before making financial transactions and to report suspicious calls to the police immediately. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
