SELANGOR police have arrested 13 foreign nationals, including two women, believed to be involved in a sophisticated “love scam” operation targeting victims in Japan, following a raid on a house in Semenyih on 5 November.
Selangor Police Chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the operation was carried out by the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of the Kajang District Police Headquarters, with support from social media analysis experts from the South Klang IPD Commercial Crime Investigation Division.
“A total of 13 non-citizens, comprising 11 men and two women, were detained. Eleven mobile phones of various types and laptops were also seized,” he said during a press briefing at the Selangor Police Contingent Headquarters today.
Initial investigations revealed that the syndicate created fake social media accounts to deceive victims, with each member instructed to post daily to maintain the appearance of active and genuine profiles. “After capturing the victims’ attention, the syndicate members would initiate communication to obtain their personal phone numbers and social media accounts,” Shazeli explained.
He added that each member had a specific role, ranging from creating posts and befriending victims to managing financial transactions, while internal communications were conducted through online chat applications.
Shazeli said investigations are ongoing to determine the total number of victims and the financial losses incurred, noting that the scam primarily targeted individuals in Japan. - November 11, 2025
