Latest news with #Rusdi
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Johor immigration denies link to bogus donation appeal
JOHOR BARU: The Johor Immigration Department has denied involvement in a fraudulent donation drive letter falsely using its name, and has urged the public to remain alert to scams exploiting its official identity. The forged letter, which includes fake payment receipts, claims to solicit donations from the public and business community for a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme involving 500 orphans. In a statement today, Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the department did not issue any fundraising appeal or donation drive, nor were any official receipts circulated. Members of the public have been warned against responding to suspicious messages, including those sent via SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat or phone calls referencing the scam. Rusdi urged anyone who may have made payments in relation to the fake campaign to lodge a police report immediately for further investigation. "The misuse of our official name and emblem is a serious offence. Action will be taken against any party found guilty of misleading the public," he said. Rusdi also reminded the public not to be easily deceived by unsolicited requests, especially those exploiting the name of government agencies under the guise of charity.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Flying passports: Immigration enhances safeguards against graft at high-risk entry points
The Immigration Department is doubling down on internal enforcement measures amid renewed scrutiny over frontline integrity. This follows the arrest of four officers over alleged graft at the Malaysia-Singapore border. Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said six anti-graft protocols remained firmly in place, in line with standing orders issued by the director-general of the Immigration Department, to curb abuse and syndicate infiltration at national entry points. "These protocols are not symbolic. They are enforced at high-risk locations, including the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB)," he told the New Straits Times yesterday. "They cover everything from bag and body checks, closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera surveillance, rotation of officers, system access audits and handphone bans to integrity pledges for high-exposure assignments." Rusdi was responding to queries after the arrest of the four enforcement officers at the BSI complex, who were remanded over allegations of stamping foreign passports without the holders being physically present — described as the "flying passport" ruse. Two officers were detained on suspicion of accepting RM3,000 bribes while manning the motor vehicle entry lane. Two others were picked up later. Investigators also seized 14 foreign passports, four mobile phones and RM3,000 cash. The suspects, who have been remanded for six days, are believed to have received RM200 per passport for bypassing verification procedures. The case is investigated under Section 17 of the MACC Act 2009. "This is why internal controls exist," said Rusdi. Immigration enforcement officers at all entry points are prohibited from carrying personal mobile phones, which must be stored in lockers. Bag and pocket inspections are conducted before and after each shift to detect smuggling, cash bribes or unauthorised documents. Immigration counters are monitored around-the-clock via CCTV cameras by the integrity unit. Officers caught engaging in suspicious interactions are flagged for further investigation. He confirmed that the department was still reviewing proposals to equip officers with body-worn cameras and artificial intelligence-backed behavioural monitoring systems. Despite the procedural safeguards, Rusdi admitted that the risk of collusion remained. "We must reinforce a culture of integrity before compromise becomes embedded," he said.
The Star
6 days ago
- The Star
Be wary of suspicious links received via WhatsApp, says Bukit Aman CCID director
KUALA LUMPUR: The police have opened 26 investigation papers into a scam syndicate that tricks victims into revealing their one-time password (OTP), resulting in losses totalling RM151,000 since January this year. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the victims claimed they had received a suspicious message and clicked on an embedded link. "Once the victims enter information related to the OTP, there is a risk their WhatsApp accounts might be taken over by the syndicate," he said when contacted on Friday (July 25). Comm Rusdi explained that the syndicate's modus operandi involves sending random messages with links to potential victims. "If the victim clicks on the link and follows the syndicate's instructions to provide certain details, the perpetrators might be able to take over the WhatsApp account," he added. He advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling for such tactics. "People should delete suspicious messages or links immediately and verify the source of any URL before clicking on it. Never provide personal details, and always change your password regularly," he said. Recently, suspicious links were being spread online regarding the RM100 additional cash aid for Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme. The link is a prompt for people to supposedly check their Sara status.
The Sun
23-07-2025
- The Sun
Mule account offences rise in Malaysia - Bukit Aman warns public
KUALA LUMPUR: Mule account offences are increasingly worrying authorities, with thousands of Malaysians, including students, falling victim to financial crime syndicates luring them with promises of easy money. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa revealed that as of Monday (July 21), a total of 39,006 mule account cases had been detected, with 10,635 cases charged in court. Rusdi stated, 'This is not merely a financial issue; it has become a form of organised crime used by syndicates to carry out various illegal activities, including online fraud, fake investments and e-commerce fraud.' He warned that those involved could face charges under sections 424A, 424B, and 424C of the Penal Code, carrying a prison sentence of up to 10 years and fines of up to RM150,000. Common forms of involvement include handing over bank account details to third parties without reason, opening accounts for others, and using personal accounts for suspicious transactions. To combat this, Rusdi introduced the T.A.K.E.F.I.V.E formula as a preventive measure. The first step, Think, urges individuals to critically assess investment opportunities before acting. The second, Ask, advises verifying information with authorities before sharing banking details. Knowledge is the third step, encouraging the public to stay updated on cybercrime tactics and use verification tools like Semak Mule PDRM and Bank Negara Malaysia's Financial Consumer Alert List. Rusdi added, 'The fifth step is Fight - avoid being susceptible and don't be deceived by promises of huge or quick returns.' The final steps, Ignore and Vigilant, stress ignoring dubious offers and cutting ties with suspicious individuals. – Bernama
Barnama
23-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Mule Account Offences A Growing Concern
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- Mule account offences are becoming a growing concern, with thousands of Malaysians, including students, being exploited by financial crime syndicates promising easy returns, said Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa. He said that, as of Monday (July 21), a total of 39,006 mule account cases had been detected, with 10,635 of the cases charged in court, while in 2024, there were 51,197 cases, involving over 33,000 cases brought to justice. "This is not merely a financial issue; it has become a form of organised crime used by syndicates to carry out various illegal activities, including online fraud, fake investments and e-commerce fraud,' he told a media conference on CCID current issues here today. Elaborating, Rusdi said action can be taken against those involved under sections 424A, 424B and 424C of the Penal Code, which carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of RM150,000, depending on the level of involvement and the offence. He said that among the forms of involvement are handing over bank account details to a third party without reasonable cause, opening bank accounts for others and using one's account to carry out dubious transactions. As such, Rusdi recommended the use of the 'T.A.K.E.F.I.V.E' formula as a preventive guideline to help members of the public from falling victim to financial fraud syndicates and mule account offences. He said the first step is Think - individuals need to think critically before making any decision related to investment and avoid taking hasty action; followed by Ask - always ask questions and seek valid documents before providing banking or investment information, as well as check with the relevant authorities. He added that Knowledge also plays a crucial preventive role, with the public required to be aware of the latest modus operandi used by cyber criminals and carrying out e-Checks (online checks) using portals such as Semak Mule PDRM and Investment Checker by the Securities Commission, as well as Financial Consumer Alert List by Bank Negara Malaysia. "The fifth step is Fight - avoid being susceptible and don't be deceived by promises of huge or quick returns - and the sixth step is to practice the principle of Ignore, whereby the public is advised not to entertain dubious offers, particularly on social media,' he said.
