World · Malaysia Bureau
Police arrest 20 foreigners in Penang romance scam operation
Authorities in Penang have apprehended 20 foreign nationals suspected of orchestrating an elaborate romance fraud scheme targeting victims across China. The arrests were made during a raid in the Batu Ferringhi area.
LSN Malaysia ·
Police in Penang have arrested 20 foreign nationals in connection with a large-scale romance scam operation that predominantly targeted residents in China. The suspects were taken into custody following a coordinated raid conducted in the Batu Ferringhi district, a popular tourist destination on the island's northern coast.
Investigations revealed that the suspects operated a sophisticated fraud scheme using the messaging application Telegram to communicate with and deceive their victims. The modus operandi typically involved creating fake profiles to establish romantic connections with unsuspecting individuals, gradually building trust before soliciting money through various pretexts.
The scam has caused significant financial losses to victims across China, with authorities estimating the total amount defrauded to be substantial. The operation underscores the growing cross-border nature of cybercrime in the region and the exploitation of digital communication platforms by organised criminal networks.
The arrested individuals are currently assisting police with ongoing investigations into their involvement in the fraud network. Authorities have indicated that further arrests may be made as the investigation continues, and are appealing to potential victims to come forward with information regarding their experiences.