Johor police have dismantled two online scam syndicates operating call centres in Forest City, Iskandar Puteri, leading to the arrest of 335 individuals, including 309 Chinese nationals, 19 Indonesians, four Myanmar nationals, and three locals. The suspects, aged between 20 and 58, were detained during simultaneous raids on 27 residential apartment units and five bungalows used as operational centres.
The first syndicate targeted victims abroad, particularly in China and Indonesia, with fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes and "love scams." The second syndicate posed as a law firm, offering fake cryptocurrency investments and other fraudulent schemes to international victims.
Authorities seized equipment valued at approximately RM1 million, including 313 computers, 1,557 mobile phones, 17 laptops, 10 modems, and a Mazda CX-8 SUV. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the masterminds behind these syndicates, with cooperation from Interpol.
The police have opened 23 investigation papers under various sections of the Penal Code and the Immigration Act, with 14 cases referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s office. Charges have been obtained against 194 suspects, with 159 suspects to be charged today and the remaining 35 tomorrow at the Johor Bahru magistrates’ court.
Authorities have clarified that these fraud syndicates are separate and not related to the Network School that was also based in Forest City.
The dismantling of these scam centres highlights the ongoing efforts by Malaysian authorities to combat online fraud targeting international victims. The collaboration with Interpol underscores the global nature of such crimes and the importance of international cooperation in addressing them.