IN a coordinated law enforcement operation, the Royal Malaysian Police have dismantled a call centre syndicate targeting Japanese citizens, arresting 18 foreign nationals at two bungalow units in Simpang Ampat, Penang, on 20 November.
The detainees include 14 Japanese citizens and four Chinese nationals, aged between 25 and 51, all of whom reportedly admitted to working as call centre operators for three months, earning salaries ranging from RM5,000 to RM8,000 per month.
Datuk Azizee Ismail, Chief of Police in Penang, explained that the syndicate gathered personal information on Japanese citizens using the Telegram messaging app before impersonating Japanese police officers to deceive victims.
The group allegedly used an online application called Go (Japan) to carry out fraudulent financial transactions.
“All 18 suspects have been remanded to assist investigations under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a penalty of between one and 10 years’ imprisonment, whipping, and a fine upon conviction,” Azizee said.
During the raids, police seized 49 mobile phones of various brands, 13 iPads, three laptops, four walkie-talkies, 25 Japanese-language scam scripts, house keys and gate controllers, numeric keypads, and a whiteboard detailing duty schedules.
Azizee urged the public to remain cautious. “End the call immediately and verify any information with the nearest authorities. Avoiding interaction is better than suffering losses,” he advised.
Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, authorities have dismantled eight online scam call centres between 10 and 14 November, arresting 57 people, including 52 foreign nationals and five locals.
These operations were reportedly involved in fake job offers and non-existent cryptocurrency investment schemes, targeting victims both locally and abroad.
Datuk Fadil Marsus, Kuala Lumpur Police Chief, said all suspects have been charged under Section 120B(2) of the Penal Code for abetting online fraud, as well as under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for offences involving travel documents.
“We will not relent until these syndicates are fully dismantled. The public should remain alert and always verify information with authorities before making any financial transactions,” he said, urging anyone with information to contact the KL Police Hotline at 03-2115 9999 or visit the nearest police station.
These twin operations underscore a growing concern over transnational call centre fraud targeting foreign nationals, with Malaysian authorities warning the public to exercise extreme caution when receiving calls or messages from unknown sources. - November 28, 2025
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