MACC: Malaysia - China dismantle international fraud syndicate in joint ‘Op Dragon’

LOCAL authorities, in cooperation with Chinese law enforcement agencies, have dismantled an international fraud syndicate operated by Chinese nationals in a coordinated crackdown known as Op Dragon.

The operation targeted a criminal network believed to be based and operating across several countries, including Malaysia, where members were suspected of running cross-border scams using various communication platforms and digital technologies to deceive victims.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission senior director of the Special Operations Division Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin said authorities arrested 16 key suspects believed to be the ringleaders of the syndicate while they were hiding in Malaysia.

“All the suspects are Chinese nationals and they have been sent back to China to stand trial.

“The repatriation process was carried out with the cooperation of the Chinese Embassy and the Malaysian Immigration Department, with all legal and diplomatic procedures fully observed,” he said.

All the suspects, who are Chinese nationals, have since been deported to China to face prosecution. The repatriation process was carried out with the cooperation of the Chinese Embassy and Malaysia’s Immigration Department, with all legal and diplomatic procedures observed.

During the operation, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission also seized a range of assets believed to have been obtained through the syndicate’s illegal activities, with a total estimated value of RM3.5 million.

Among the items confiscated were two luxury vehicles, jewellery, gold bars, personal computers, laptops, cash in multiple foreign currencies and hundreds of mobile phones of various brands believed to have been used as primary tools in the fraudulent operations.

Authorities said the assets, estimated to be worth several million ringgit, are currently undergoing forfeiture proceedings in accordance with applicable laws before they are returned to the Malaysian government.

The commission said the success of the operation reflects its continued commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation with international enforcement agencies in tackling financial crimes and cross-border fraud that could threaten economic security and national interests.

It added that any form of abuse of the financial system, corruption and fraudulent activity will continue to be addressed through enforcement actions and close collaboration with global enforcement partners. - March 10, 2026