Investment, love and job scams: Nine locals among 141 arrested as Penang police bust 14 online call centres

Penang police chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng (centre) shows seized equipment at a press conference at the Penang Contingent Police Headquarters November 2, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 02 Nov 2026 7:55 PM MYT

Last Modified: Monday, 02 Nov 2026 7:56 PM MYT

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 2 — Penang police arrested 141 individuals, including nine locals, in 14 raids on call centres suspected of conducting various online scam operations in the state from October 9 to 29.

Penang police chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng said the state Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) operation involved five raids in Timur Laut district, six in Barat Daya district, and three in Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT), following intelligence gathering and surveillance.

“In the raids, police arrested 93 Chinese nationals, 29 Vietnamese, four Japanese, three Taiwanese, two Cambodians, one Myanmar national, and nine locals, all aged between 18 and 48.

“They are from different groups or syndicates believed to be involved in investment scams, love scams, impersonation of police officers, and non-existent job offers using various platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok,” he told a press conference at the Penang Contingent Police Headquarters here today.

He said the syndicates are believed to have rented houses in recent months to carry out their operations, using Penang as a base to target victims mainly overseas, including in China, Japan, the United States, Brazil and Hong Kong.

Lim said police also seized equipment, including mobile phones, laptops, tablets, internet routers, electronic equipment and computer accessories, believed to be used in the syndicates’ operations, valued at RM1.4 million.

He added police were investigating potential abuse of immigration passes and facilities for illegal activities, although most foreigners detained entered Malaysia legally with valid passports.

All suspects have been remanded, and the case is being investigated under Section 420 read together with Section 120B of the Penal Code, as well as Section 6(3) and Section 15(1)© of the Immigration Act 1959/63. — Bernama