JOHOR BARU: Police have arrested four teenagers for alleged involvement in a syndicate that sells fake International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) authorisation letters for interstate travel.

       Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said two girls and two boys aged between 16 and 19 were arrested during an operation in Johor Baru at about 8pm on Aug 5.

       “The syndicate's modus operandi is selling forged Miti documents through social media such as Facebook, Instagram and WeChat.

       “The letters were forged using details from a registered company in Kempas to confuse the authorities,” he told a press conference at Johor police headquarters on Monday (Aug 23).

       He added that the company owner was not aware of the incident.

       Comm Ayob Khan also said police did not rule out the possibility of an insider providing the company's details to the syndicate.

       He said the syndicate had been active since March this year and was selling the documents for RM150 each.

       “The group managed to sell 250 forged documents amounting to RM37,500,” he said, adding that each syndicate member would get between RM50 and RM100 as commission for every document sold.

       The suspects are being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and face imprisonment of up to 10 years, whipping and a fine if found guilty.

       Comm Ayob Khan said police are looking for Nicholas Chai Jia Han, 21, of Taman Ria in Tangkak, to help with their investigation.

       Those with information can call the investigation officer ASP Timmy Heng at 019-777 3728.