No end to online fraud “mule accounts’ even after over 1,300 arrested in national crackdown

A TOTAL of 1,303 individuals suspected of involvement in online fraud have been arrested during Operation Mule conducted by the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) from 22 to 28 September, authorities confirmed.

Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, Director of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK) at Bukit Aman, said the operation targeted commercial crimes involving “mule accounts,” particularly cases reported to NSRC.

“During the operation, 1,303 individuals were arrested while 778 investigation papers were opened nationwide,” he said at a press conference at the JSJK headquarters in Menara KPJ on Thursday.

Rusdi explained that the crackdown focused on raids, arrests, and seizures involving members of account mule syndicates, including those involved in online fraud, financial offences, and foreign nationals, prosecutable under Sections 420, 424A, 424B, and 424C of the Penal Code.

“Of the 2,062 suspects identified, 1,303 were apprehended while 759 remain under investigation,” he added. Arrests were concentrated in Sabah with 475 individuals, followed by Sarawak (426), Johor (275), and Selangor (222).

“Many individuals in Sabah and Sarawak become account mules due to low awareness and understanding of these offences. Of the 778 investigation papers, 270 have led to charges, 312 remain under investigation, 46 saw no further action, 104 are at the Deputy Public Prosecutor stage, and four require review,” Rusdi noted.

He further highlighted JSJK’s ongoing engagement with telecommunications companies to tackle online fraud, including issues with “recycled numbers” and multiple SIM registrations.

“Some users have more than five SIM cards, and syndicates also contact victims through messaging applications. Fraudsters exploit technology in various ways to deceive the public,” he said.

Rusdi stressed that JSJK collaborates with telcos, banks, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to remain proactive in combating cybercrime.

Previously, reports urged MCMC to impose stricter penalties on telecommunication companies that fail to prevent phone and messaging fraud, now described as a “silent epidemic” in society.

Datuk Nadzim Johan, Chief Activist of the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM), said such measures are essential to ensure telcos take responsibility and curb the misuse of phone number registrations by scammers.

“Failure by telcos to properly monitor phone number usage allows scammers to operate freely, including using foreign numbers without proper verification,” he warned. - October 30, 2025