Empty bungalows, condos could become scammer dens

Malaysia is at risk of becoming a new operational base for international scam syndicates as these groups are forced to relocate due to stricter enforcement in other countries. Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim, Secretary-General of the Malaysian Community Humanitarian Organization (MHO), warned that abandoned bungalows and condominiums across the country could be exploited to house these scam operations.

Information from MHO counterparts in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia indicates a significant movement of these syndicates, with Malaysia and Taiwan now being considered preferred destinations. Hishamuddin explained that these groups operate nomadically, moving to Malaysia when crackdowns occur in neighboring countries. He expressed concern that Malaysia could face accusations of being a fraud hub, similar to how it has previously assisted victims from those regions.

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The operational format is to move around. If it's 'hot' there, they go to Malaysia; before this, they went to Thailand. When Thailand conducts operations, they come to Malaysia. Later, if Malaysia conducts operations, they will move elsewhere.

Initial intelligence about these operations in Malaysia stems from MHO's investigations and testimonies from victims of job scam offers who were successfully repatriated. The Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) of Bukit Aman has reportedly contacted MHO, and the organization plans to submit detailed information soon to facilitate legal action.

To counter this emerging threat, Hishamuddin urged security agencies at border entry points to enhance control and blacklist suspicious foreign individuals. He also called upon local authorities and residential security units to increase monitoring of rental properties, particularly those occupied by foreigners. Suspicious signs of scam centers include an unusually large number of individuals residing in a single bungalow or condominium unit.

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We do not want one day for an NGO from Cambodia to accuse Malaysia of being a hub for fraud, when previously we were the ones vocally rescuing victims there.