JOHOR BAHRU — Malaysian police have dismantled two major online scam rings operating out of Forest City in Iskandar Puteri. As a result, officers arrested 335 people during massive raids on July 15.
Johor Police Chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad held a news conference to detail the operation. He explained that officers raided 27 luxury apartments and five bungalows across the development. Consequently, police arrested 309 Chinese nationals, 19 Indonesians, four Myanmar nationals, and four local facilitators.
According to investigators, the syndicates ran fake crypto investments, love scams, and legal impersonation schemes. Additionally, operators used apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, and TikTok to trick victims across Asia, Europe, and the US.
During the search, officers confiscated 1,900 electronic gadgets worth about RM1 million. Specifically, the seized items included 1,557 mobile phones, 313 computers, 17 laptops, and 10 modems.
Most of the foreign suspects lacked valid travel documents. However, the syndicates promised them monthly pay ranging from RM2,500 to RM4,000. Therefore, prosecutors will charge at least 194 foreigners in court. Meanwhile, local police are teaming up with Interpol to track down the main leader.
