Malaysia

Commercial crime arrests and prosecutions rise despite lower financial losses

Cases increase despites total financial losses from fraud and related offences declines slightly compared with the same period last year

Updated 3 months ago · Published on 10 May 2026 2:06PM

Commercial crime arrests and prosecutions rise despite lower financial losses
Police say arrests and court charges linked to commercial crime increased during the first quarter of the year - May 10, 2026

THE nation recorded an increase in arrests and prosecutions linked to commercial crime during the first three months of the year, signalling intensified enforcement efforts against fraud syndicates and financial scams nationwide.

Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK) director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said 7,190 individuals had been arrested by March this year compared with 7,084 during the corresponding period last year, representing an increase of 1.5 per cent or 106 people.

Rusdi said the number of court charges filed also rose significantly, reaching 5,140 cases compared with 4,525 previously.

“Throughout the three-month period, JSJK received 64,643 police reports compared with 57,260 reports in 2025,” he told Sinar Harian.

Despite the increase in reported cases, arrests and prosecutions, Rusdi said overall financial losses linked to commercial crimes had declined slightly.

He said losses recorded this year stood at RM764 million compared with RM787 million during the same period last year.

Rusdi stressed that JSJK would not compromise with any individual or group involved in fraudulent activities, particularly scams targeting the public.

“Contact the National Scam Response Centre immediately through the 997 hotline if you become a victim or have any information relating to online fraud crimes,” he said.

The senior police official also warned members of the public against becoming involved in scam syndicates as so-called “account mules”, call operators or facilitators, stressing that such roles constituted serious criminal offences.

Authorities have repeatedly cautioned that organised online fraud operations increasingly rely on individuals who knowingly or unknowingly allow their bank accounts, phone numbers or identities to be used in illicit financial transactions. - May 10, 2026

Spotlight

World

Series of explosions, fires hit three southern Thai provinces

Opinion

One more temple falls: The destruction of Malaysia’s soul?

Opinion

Why is Israel pushing toward confrontation with Türkiye?

Malaysia

‘Uncle Anwar’ sends representative to children’s entrepreneurs day in Subang Jaya

Malaysia

‘Look at temple dispute based on facts and laws’ – DAP reps tell Rayer

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Malaysia, Brunei set deadline to demarcate boundary, enhance border security

Malaysia

Police probe indecent act allegedly targeting woman in Sungai Petani

Malaysia

Sarawak postpones three major programmes over haze concerns

You may be interested

Malaysia

UIAM clarifies Dr Solehah Yaacob no longer with university

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

API below 200: All schools in Sarawak will reopen tomorrow

Malaysia

‘Look at temple dispute based on facts and laws’ – DAP reps tell Rayer

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Woman killed by collapsing iron pole after car crashes into Kajang food court

Malaysia

Bersatu ‘technically’ no longer PN member, says Takiyuddin

Malaysia

Anwar, Pakistan PM call for dialogue as regional tensions rise

Malaysia

Fahmi: Malaysia’s one-China policy on Taiwan remains unchanged

Malaysia

Malaysia urges ASEAN to tighten action against haze