POLICE in Ipoh have arrested 12 Chinese nationals following raids on two suspected online love scam call centres in Ipoh believed to have targeted victims in China.
Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said all the suspects, aged between 25 and 40, were detained during simultaneous operations at two houses in Taman Ipoh Selatan and Medan Pengkalan Setia at about 4.15pm on Thursday.
The raids were conducted following information received by police, leading to the discovery of activities linked to a suspected scam syndicate operating from the premises.
“Based on initial investigations and conversation scripts found in seized laptops, police believe the syndicate has been operating the call centres since June 2026, targeting victims in China,” Alwi said in a statement.
He said the syndicate allegedly used local internet connections and communication platforms, including Telegram and WeChat, to carry out its operations.
Syndicate members reportedly impersonated attractive individuals by using photographs belonging to other people before randomly contacting potential victims online.
“The victims were then persuaded to engage in goods trading activities to obtain high profits before being asked to make repeated payments,” Alwi said.
During the raids, police seized 158 mobile phones, six laptops, six computer mice, five WiFi routers, 15 SIM cards, five conversation scripts, three USB charging stations and three extension wire units.
The seized items were estimated to be worth RM34,500.
Alwi said all suspects had been remanded for three days from 17 July until 19 July to assist investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 and Section 120B of the Penal Code, as well as Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act, involving offences related to cheating, criminal conspiracy and unlawful presence in Malaysia.
Those convicted may face imprisonment, fines and whipping under the relevant laws. - July 18, 2026
