Malaysian police dismantle Japan-targeting scam centre in Penang

Malaysian police have dismantled a scam call centre operating out of two bungalows in Simpang Ampat, Penang, following a raid conducted a week ago.

According to Penang police chief Azizee Ismail, the operation led to the arrest of 18 individuals.

The group comprised 14 Japanese citizens, including 13 men and one woman, as well as four Chinese nationals.
They were aged between 25 and 51.

Azizee said all of the arrested individuals admitted to working as operators for the call centre over the past three months.

According to his statement, they earned between RM5,000 and RM8,000 each month (or equivalent to roughly US$1,935), by scamming victims residing in Japan.

Preliminary investigations showed that the syndicate relied on the Telegram app to gather information about intended victims.

They then impersonated Japanese police officers when contacting these individuals.

Azizee added that the group used the Go (Japan) app to carry out financial transactions linked to the fraudulent scheme.

During the raids, officers seized 49 mobile phones and 25 sets of Japanese-language scripts used to deceive victims.

Police also confiscated 13 iPads, four walkie-talkies, and three laptops as part of the evidence collected.

Azizee confirmed that all 18 suspects have been remanded to assist ongoing investigations under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

The case is the latest in a series of cross-border fraud operations uncovered in Malaysia.

Last month, police arrested a 23-year-old man in Kluang, Johor, believed to be the ringleader of a separate online fraud syndicate.

In that incident, officers seized cash, jewellery, and electronic equipment valued at RM200,000.

Initial checks indicated that the suspect had withdrawn scam proceeds using debit and Touch ’n Go cards at ATMs.

The latest arrests come amid heightened concern in Japan about transnational scams originating abroad.

According to Japanese media, total recorded scam losses in 2024 amounted to approximately ¥307.5 billion, or about US$2.2 billion.

This figure represents around 0.5% of Japan’s GDP.

Losses from “special fraud” reached v in 2024, marking a 59.4% year-on-year increase based on provisional data from the National Police Agency.

Japanese authorities have noted an alarming rise in cases where Japanese nationals are recruited or coerced into participating in overseas scam operations.

Last month, NHK reported that 13 Japanese nationals suspected of involvement in a fraud scheme in Cambodia were detained by local investigators.

Concerns have grown over offshore “scam centres” that conduct phishing and other fraudulent activities targeting individuals in Japan.

In response, Japan has proposed new banking safeguards, including suspending bank cards belonging to seniors who have not used them for more than a year.

Japan has also been working with regional partners to curb cross-border fraud.

According to reports, the country has cooperated with Cambodian authorities to facilitate deportations and strengthen law enforcement coordination.

Japanese officials have pledged continued support to Cambodia in efforts to crack down on online scams.

Authorities in both countries acknowledge that such fraudulent operations remain complex and transnational in nature.