Malaysia police report scam syndicates shifting to remote budget hotels to avoid detection
A police raid on a small-town budget hotel in Triang has exposed a growing trend among scam syndicates relocating to remote areas to avoid detection, with local collaborators playing key roles in shielding foreign scammers.
- Scam groups are increasingly relocating to small towns and operating from budget hotels to evade enforcement.
- Eight Chinese nationals were arrested in Triang, with police believing a local mastermind orchestrated the operation.
- The syndicate is suspected of running Telegram-based investment scams targeting victims in China, with investigations ongoing.
PAHANG, MALAYSIA: Scam syndicates operating in Malaysia are increasingly relocating from major cities to small, remote towns as part of a strategy to escape police scrutiny.
Zulkiflee Nazir, Police Chief Superintendent of Bera District, Pahang, said the shift marks a notable change from the groups’ previous reliance on high-end condominiums in urban centres.
Budget Hotels Now Preferred “Safe Houses”
In the latest case, eight Chinese nationals aged 28 to 39 were arrested in a raid on a budget hotel in Triang.
According to investigators, the suspects had been occupying rooms on the upper floor of the premises since last month, conducting call-centre-style scam operations while maintaining a low profile.
Police believe a local man acted as the mastermind, organising accommodation, supplying daily provisions and coordinating food deliveries straight to the scammers’ rooms.
Local Mastermind Facilitated the Operation
Zulkiflee said this level of local support enabled the group to operate almost invisibly within the community, rarely leaving the hotel.
The syndicate is suspected of using Telegram to pose as investment advisers and financial officers, targeting victims in China with fraudulent investment schemes.
Although several mobile phones and laptops were seized, no written conversation scripts were found during the raid.
Investigations Ongoing
Authorities are now working to identify how many victims were defrauded and the total amount lost.
The suspects, whose remand orders expired on 1 December, are being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating — an offence that carries up to 10 years’ imprisonment, whipping and a fine upon conviction.
According to the State of Scam Report 2024, Malaysia recorded losses amounting to RM54.02 billion (or US$13.08 billion) in 2024, equivalent to 3 per cent of the national GDP.
0 Comments