Kulasegaran: Police Can Block Scam Funds Now
Kulasegaran revealed that police can now block or seize scam-related funds, including those in mule accounts, under new amendments.
New Powers for Police in Online Fraud Cases
KUALA LUMPUR: The police now have the power to block or seize transactions linked to online fraud, including those involving mule accounts. This was announced in the Dewan Rakyat.
Amendments to Criminal Laws Grant Police More Authority
M. Kulasegaran, the Deputy Minister for Law and Institutional Reform in the Prime Minister’s Department, explained that recent amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code (Act 593) and the Penal Code (Act 574), effective from October 30, grant the police new powers. These changes allow the police to seize or block financial assets tied to online fraud cases.
Targeting Mule Accounts in Online Scams
The law amendments specifically target mule accounts, making it easier for the police to halt the movement of funds suspected of being linked to financial crimes. As a result, criminals will find it harder to launder illicit funds.
Introduction of Section 116D
A key change is the inclusion of Section 116D in Act 593. This section allows police officers of Sergeant rank or higher to seize or block any financial transactions linked to suspected criminal activity, such as online scams.
Minister’s Response to Lim Lip Eng
Kulasegaran responded to a question from Lim Lip Eng (PH-Kepong). He explained that the new law enables the police to block or prevent access to scam-related funds temporarily. This will stop criminals from withdrawing money from mule accounts.
Complementing Physical Asset Seizure Laws
These amendments complement Section 435 of Act 593. This section gives the police the power to seize stolen or fraudulently obtained property. If police suspect the property is linked to criminal activity, they can act to prevent its use or further transaction.
NSRC Call Volume
Kulasegaran shared the recent call volume data from the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC). Between October 2022 and September 2023, the NSRC received 131,036 calls. Of these, 52,836 were from scam victims reporting losses totaling RM302.1 million.
