Three International Scam Syndicates Busted in Penang, 32 Arrested

Penang police have dismantled three international scam syndicates operating as call centers, arresting 32 individuals in coordinated raids. The suspects, comprising nationals from China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, and Malaysia, were apprehended in separate operations across the region. Police Chief Datuk Azizee Ismail detailed the busts, which targeted "love scam" operations, cryptocurrency exchange fraud, and phone scams impersonating Japanese police. In the first raid at Taman Pinggiran Bukit Minyak, 10 suspects were detained for "love scam" activities, with police seizing computers, mobile phones, and WiFi routers worth an estimated RM78,000. A second raid targeted a cryptocurrency scam syndicate, leading to the arrest of 15 individuals, including Taiwanese and Vietnamese nationals, and the confiscation of equipment valued at RM25,000. The third operation focused on a "phone scam" ring that defrauded victims in Japan and Taiwan by posing as Japanese police officers. Seven foreign nationals, primarily from Japan and Taiwan, were arrested, and seized items included communication equipment and fake police identification, valued at RM20,000. The cases are being investigated under Sections 420 and 120B of the Penal Code.