STRATEGIC PARTNERS
October 24, 2002
PENANG, Malaysia -- Authorities believe that a fraud syndicate responsible for RM1.2mil (Malaysian ringgits or about $315,800 U.S.) in illegal withdrawals using cloned ATM cards may be making a comeback after a mini-camera was found hidden in the ATM of a bank here on Oct. 23.
According to a report in The Star, the mini-camera was spotted by a deputy public prosecutor (DPP) after he made a withdrawal. He asked the bank manager about the camera and was told it did not belong to the bank.
The camera was positioned to focus on the ATM keyboard.
The DPP reported this to the police, and a state commercial crime team seized the camera to dust for fingerprints.
Authorities believe the syndicate is responsible for 250 such cases, including 180 in Penang, reported nationwide in 2000.
