LUNDU – Police in Lundu have successfully arrested two local men suspected of acting as “account donkeys” in separate online fraud cases, following investigations by the Commercial Crimes Investigation Division of IPD Lundu.
The arrests took place on 14 and 15 July 2026, targeting suspects aged between their 30s and 50s. The first suspect, apprehended on 14 July, was linked to two separate cases involving impersonation scams conducted via WhatsApp.
Victims reported being deceived by individuals posing as friends and acquaintances, leading to financial losses amounting to RM9,700. These cases were initially lodged at IPD Klang, Selangor, and IPD Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.
The second arrest occurred on 15 July, involving another suspect accused of participating in a non-existent loan scam through Facebook. Victims were persuaded to believe they were applying for legitimate loans, but instead suffered losses totalling RM5,560. This case was reported at IPD Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
Police confirmed that both suspects were acting as “account donkeys”, individuals who allow their bank accounts to be used by fraud syndicates to receive and transfer illicit funds. Such practices are increasingly common in online scams, where perpetrators exploit unsuspecting victims by creating false identities and fraudulent schemes.
Authorities have reminded the public that sharing banking details, ATM cards, or other financial instruments with third parties can expose individuals to serious risks. These items are often misused in fraudulent activities, leaving account holders liable for criminal charges.
Under Section 424C of the Penal Code, individuals found guilty of acting as account donkeys face severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines of up to RM150,000, or both. Police stressed that enforcement will continue to be intensified to curb the rising trend of online fraud.
The arrests in Lundu highlight the growing challenge of cybercrime across Sarawak and Malaysia. Fraud syndicates are increasingly using social media platforms and messaging applications to target victims, exploiting trust and familiarity to carry out scams.
Public awareness campaigns have been launched nationwide to educate communities about the dangers of online fraud. Authorities encourage residents to remain vigilant, verify suspicious messages, and report fraudulent activities promptly.
The Commercial Crimes Investigation Division reiterated its commitment to protecting the public from financial scams. By apprehending suspects and dismantling fraudulent networks, police aim to safeguard communities and reduce the impact of cybercrime.
Residents are urged to exercise caution when dealing with financial transactions online and to avoid sharing sensitive information with unknown parties. The arrests serve as a reminder that cooperation between the public and law enforcement is essential in combating fraud.
