Police have busted an ATM card-buying syndicate operating in Kota Kinabalu, arresting two suspects believed to be involved in the illegal trade.

The suspects were caught on March 6 at 7:30 PM, allegedly purchasing ATM cards from their original owners for RM500 to RM1,000 per card. 

During the operation, officers seized 10 ATM cards from various banks, believed to belong to different individuals.

Both suspects are now under remand for further investigation under Section 420 and Section 120B of the Penal Code for cheating and criminal conspiracy.

The arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown, with police having conducted three raids over the past five months, leading to the detention of 21 individuals and the seizure of 125 ATM cards.

District police chief ACP Kasim Muda has urged the public not to sell, rent, or hand over their ATM cards to any individual or third party, warning that such cards can be used in fraud schemes without the owner’s knowledge.

“If your ATM card is used for fraudulent activities, you could face legal action under Section 424B of the Penal Code,” he said, adding that offenders risk a fine between RM10,000 and RM100,000, a prison sentence of one to seven years, or both. – March 11, 2025