Johor state police in Malaysia launched an operation to dismantle two online scam networks in the Forest City project, arresting 335 suspects, of whom over 309 were Chinese nationals. Authorities seized numerous computers, mobile phones, and electronic devices. The suspects were involved in crypto investment scams and romance fraud. The call center gangs have been relocating to Malaysia after evading crackdowns in Southeast Asia.
Johor police in Malaysia revealed they successfully dismantled two online scam gangs operating within the Forest City project area in Iskandar Puteri city, arresting a total of 335 suspects, the majority being foreigners.
Johor Police Commissioner Major General Abdul Rahman Arshad stated the operation took place on 15 July. The suspects ranged in age from 20 to 58 years old, including 309 Chinese nationals, 19 Indonesians, 4 Myanmar nationals, and 3 Malaysians. Of these, 159 suspects were brought to court for prosecution on Tuesday (28 July).
Police confirmed that the two criminal networks are not related to "Network School," a digital nomad community that Johor authorities ordered to cease operations in Forest City last week after its business license was revoked.
Officers searched 27 apartments and 5 houses within the Forest City project, a large coastal property development. During the raids, authorities seized 313 computers, 1,557 mobile phones, 17 laptops, various other electronic devices used in the crimes, and a Mazda CX-8 SUV.
Police reported that the first network involved 279 suspects who conducted "romance scams," deceiving victims into romantic relationships and enticing them to invest in fake digital currencies. Most victims were based in China and Indonesia.
The second network comprised 56 suspects, 54 of whom were foreigners, who impersonated employment agencies to lure victims into investing in counterfeit cryptocurrencies. Some suspects were found to lack valid travel documents or legal residency permits in Malaysia.
Investigations have been opened into 23 cases covering fraud and illegal residence. Of these, 14 cases have been forwarded to prosecutors, resulting in charges against 194 suspects. Another 35 suspects are scheduled for trial at the Johor Bahru Sessions Court on Wednesday, while 9 cases remain under review by the Attorney General’s office.
Johor Police Commissioner stated the masterminds behind both networks remain at large, with authorities actively pursuing them in coordination with Interpol.
Malaysian authorities have expressed concern in recent months over trends of transnational crime networks, including call center gangs and online gambling operators, relocating their bases from Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos as those countries strengthen enforcement against illegal businesses.
In May, Malaysia’s Police Chief, Inspector-General of Police Mohammad Khalid Ismail, warned that transnational gangs were exploiting Malaysia’s visa exemption policies to establish bases for criminal activities.
Earlier, Malaysian police arrested 187 suspects in the Klang Valley area, seizing assets worth nearly 58 million ringgit. Most suspects were Chinese nationals, along with Japanese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai, Filipino, Lao, and Myanmar nationals.
Malaysian authorities confirmed they will continue coordinating with immigration and security agencies to enhance scrutiny of foreign arrivals and prevent Malaysia from being used as a base for transnational criminal networks.
/sourceCNA