Hong Kong police have arrested two men allegedly linked to an Internet scam that has cheated money out of 22 companies around the world.

The men, aged 39 and 42, were arrested and detained Monday. Police have this week been questioning the Hong Kong men about a high-profile Internet-based fraud. According to police, the duo in 1998 targeted overseas importers that had advertised on Web sites their desire to source electronic components over the Internet. The men allegedly sent e-mail and faxes to the importers, inviting them to purchase components. Advance payments were demanded, and placed in the suspects' bank accounts, police said. The money was immediately withdrawn, and no goods were delivered. A total of 22 companies from the Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. and Europe were involved. Payments ranged from $2,738 to $352,300 Hong Kong police were called in, both directly and through cooperation with law enforcement officers in other countries. The investigation led them to homes in Chai Wan and Quarry Bay, where the suspects were arrested and six computers and mobile phones were confiscated. The two were arrested on charges of "obtaining $791,300 by deception via a computer network."