SCAM syndicates in Malaysia are increasingly relocating their operations to small, remote towns in an effort to avoid detection, Bera police revealed today.
District Police Chief Superintendent Zulkiflee Nazir said the groups are also turning to budget hotels, renting them for extended periods to run their illicit call-centre activities discreetly.
The shift in tactics was detected following the arrest of eight Chinese nationals, including two women aged between 28 and 39, during a police raid on a budget hotel in Triang last Thursday. Investigators believe the operation was supported by local collaborators.
“Investigation results indicate that a local individual is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation and brought the Chinese nationals to the hotel. The suspect is also believed to have made all the arrangements, including booking the hotel and organising food deliveries directly to the rooms of the Chinese nationals,” Zulkiflee said.
He added that the change in modus operandi is notable, as syndicates previously operated from luxury residences such as condominiums in major cities.
“There has been a change in the syndicate’s modus operandi because previously they operated from high-end residences including condominiums in major cities, but now they are targeting budget hotels in remote areas,” he said.
The 2pm recent raid led to the seizure of several mobile phones and laptops, although police did not find documents containing the conversation scripts typically used by the syndicate to lure victims.
The group is believed to have used the Telegram platform, posing as investment advisers or financial officers to deceive victims in China into participating in fraudulent investment schemes.
Zulkiflee said the suspects had been operating quietly from rooms on the upper floor of the two-storey premises since last month. They rarely left their rooms, relying on a local individual to manage all their daily needs.
“Police are still investigating the number of individuals who fell victim to the group’s fraud and the total amount of losses,” he said.
The suspects’ remand orders expired today. They are being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, an offence carrying a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, whipping and a fine upon conviction. - December 1, 2025
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