World · Malaysia Bureau
Penang police dismantle 14 online scam call centres, detain 141 suspects
Authorities in Penang have shut down a network of fraudulent call centres operating across the island and arrested 141 individuals allegedly involved in international scamming operations. The syndicates are believed to have targeted victims across multiple countries including China, Japan, the United States, Brazil and Hong Kong.
LSN Malaysia ·
Police in Penang have dismantled 14 online scam call centres in a coordinated enforcement operation, resulting in the arrest of 141 suspects linked to the illegal operations. According to Penang police chief Dennis Lim, the criminal networks had established their base on the island to conduct fraudulent activities targeting overseas victims on a large scale.
The syndicates operated sophisticated schemes designed to defraud international victims, with investigations revealing a multi-country network of targets. Police identified victims in China, Japan, the United States, Brazil and Hong Kong among the affected parties, indicating the scope and reach of the scamming operations.
The busting of these call centres represents a significant enforcement action against organised online fraud in the region. Authorities have launched investigations into the full extent of the syndicates' operations, including the estimated financial losses and number of victims affected.
The operation underscores growing concerns over Malaysia's role as a potential hub for transnational cybercrime and scamming activities. Law enforcement agencies across the country have intensified efforts to combat organised online fraud networks operating within Malaysian territory.