Police dismantle 14 scam call centres in Penang, arrest 141

GEORGE TOWN — Law enforcement in Penang has dealt a significant blow to online fraud operations, arresting 141 suspects during simultaneous raids on call centres suspected of running investment scams, romance fraud and fake job recruitment schemes. Nine of those detained are Malaysian nationals, while the remainder are believed to be foreign nationals involved in the coordinated criminal enterprise. The operations targeted 14 separate call centre locations across the state, with police seizing evidence and electronic devices used to conduct the fraudulent activities. According to investigators, the call centres had been systematically targeting individuals through various deceptive schemes designed to extract money from unsuspecting victims. The scale of the operation suggests a well-organized criminal network with multiple fraud streams operating simultaneously across the region. Penang police said the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify additional suspects and trace the proceeds of the illegal operations. Victims and members of the public with information regarding similar scam activities are urged to come forward and lodge reports with the nearest police station.