Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

crime

scam

Foreigner

PDRM

safety

security

Forest City

syndicate

Johor police have dismantled two large online scam syndicates operating out of Forest City in Iskandar Puteri, arresting 335 suspects during a coordinated crackdown that authorities describe as one of the state's largest operations against scam call centres.
The raids, carried out on 15 July, targeted 32 properties comprising 27 luxury apartment units and five bungalows that had been converted into fully operational scam centres. Police said the syndicates were targeting victims overseas, particularly in China, Indonesia, Japan, the United States and several European countries.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 58, consisted of 309 Chinese nationals, 19 Indonesians, four Myanmar nationals and three Malaysians. Authorities believe the majority of those arrested were recruited to work as operators, while investigations continue to identify and locate the masterminds behind the syndicates.
Luxury Apartments And Bungalows Turned Into Scam Bases
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d22be6f73b6dc535a839f3a5f664785cf9f6cda60167b9e0091f3ef1b582f77f" />
According to Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad, the first syndicate had rented 27 luxury apartment units spread across almost five floors, transforming them into a sophisticated call centre operation.
The group allegedly specialised in love scams and fake cryptocurrency investment schemes, targeting mainly victims in China and Indonesia. Investigators found that members used platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp and TikTok to identify and contact potential victims before persuading them to invest in fraudulent schemes promising lucrative returns.
Police believe those recruited by the syndicate acted primarily as customer acquisition agents and were promised monthly salaries ranging between RM2,500 and RM4,000, with additional commissions for meeting recruitment or scam targets.
The second syndicate operated from five rented bungalows and allegedly focused on impersonating law firms, recruitment agencies and investment advisers while promoting fake cryptocurrency investment opportunities. Victims were mainly located in China, Japan, Europe and the United States.
Authorities said each property appeared to be assigned to victims from specific countries, allowing the syndicate to tailor its scams according to the targeted region.
Nearly 1,900 Electronic Devices Seized
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3555b08a3ce28a5cfde3ff4eec247f03a1d1fc20238c423712483d163379df9a" />
The operation uncovered a substantial amount of equipment used to facilitate the scams.
Police seized:
<ul>
<li>313 desktop computers</li>
<li>1,557 mobile phones</li>
<li>17 laptops</li>
<li>10 modems</li>
<li>A Mazda CX-8 SUV</li>
<li>Various other electronic equipment</li>
</ul>
The total value of the seized items is estimated at around RM1 million, although earlier estimates placed the combined seizures from both operations at nearly RM2 million.
Investigators believe the sophisticated setup enabled the syndicates to run multiple scam operations simultaneously while communicating with victims across several countries.
Foreign Recruits Allegedly Entered Malaysia Only Weeks Earlier
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/dfdc09f6e760fc48da33733ca201c3279c8f5165127e084d648778f940b9f553" />
Initial investigations revealed that many of the foreign nationals had entered Malaysia only weeks before the raids, with some believed to have previously worked in scam centres in neighbouring countries, including Cambodia.
Police also discovered that several foreign suspects did not possess valid travel documents and are therefore facing additional offences under Malaysia's Immigration Act.
Authorities are now working with Interpol to trace the international network and identify those responsible for recruiting workers and coordinating the operations.
194 Suspects To Face Charges
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a01fd21b93d94758682cb250abb248163e2b4583ccdad25a3a7b6dc33cb715e1" />
Police have opened 23 investigation papers under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, Section 120B for criminal conspiracy, and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act.
So far, 14 investigation papers have been referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor's Office, resulting in approval to charge 194 suspects.
Of these, 159 Chinese nationals have already appeared before the Johor Bahru Magistrates' Court. They face charges related to participating in a criminal conspiracy involving non-existent cryptocurrency investment schemes, as well as entering and remaining in Malaysia without valid travel documents.
Those who pleaded guilty received fines ranging from RM4,000 to RM10,000, while the remaining accused who claimed trial have had their cases fixed for mention between 13 and 24 August.
No Connection To Forest City's Network School
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/39663f2b9d2c151f2b220044e94409aee57d545fdc80a056df45a7838a13378c" />
The large-scale operation comes shortly after authorities ordered the closure of the controversial Network School in Forest City over licensing issues, prompting speculation about a possible connection.
However, Johor police have firmly stated that investigations found no links between the scam syndicates and the education facility.
Datuk Ab Rahaman reiterated that while the syndicates have been dismantled, investigators believe the key organisers remain at large. Police are continuing efforts, including international cooperation through Interpol, to track down those responsible and prevent Forest City from being used as a base for cross-border online scam operations.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;for more updates.

Two large scam syndicates have been brought down after police raided dozens of properties in Forest City, arresting 335 suspects.

e1f03b65384cb60f6dcbd16b41f4384bbd328c6933c43ac364e00f4fc97b300d

Police Bust Two Scam Syndicates In Forest City, Arrest 335 Suspects In Major Crackdown

9621255847abc97937372c8dc13279f044806beb1dd21709fd1553c490afe2dd

BIllie Eilish UMMY

cdb6070aabbec308a543cd4adeeb88164255929fcd5130c1f206502017c1c52f

Coke Fifa

38941b1bac42da64a02a23ecc8eb6222efa97c70765b23b6219aa575309b69db

UMMY Sienna Spiro

83825a877c75953ebff3be1a2ab43cd2012f89a4df7cbd22db7ff7c05598b510

Pizza hut Meltz 2026

Police Bust Two Scam Syndicates In Forest City, Arrest 335 Suspects In Major Crackdown

Two large scam syndicates have been brought down after police raided dozens of properties in Forest City, arresting 335 suspects.

Latest News

D4vd To Go On Trial Over Murder Of 14-Year-Old Girl As Judge Rules Evidence Is Sufficient

Harith Iskander Proposes Abolishing SJKCs, But Says Mandarin Should Be Compulsory In National Schools

Italian Students Apologise After Bangkok Train Incident Sparks Nationwide Outrage In Thailand

From Ghost Rider To Black Panther 3: Everything Marvel Revealed At San Diego Comic-Con 2026

Malaysian Man Fatally Stabbed While Trying To Break Up Fight In South Korea

Related Articles

D4vd To Go On Trial Over Murder Of 14-Year-Old Girl As Judge Rules Evidence Is Sufficient

Harith Iskander Proposes Abolishing SJKCs, But Says Mandarin Should Be Compulsory In National Schools

Italian Students Apologise After Bangkok Train Incident Sparks Nationwide Outrage In Thailand

From Ghost Rider To Black Panther 3: Everything Marvel Revealed At San Diego Comic-Con 2026

Malaysian Man Fatally Stabbed While Trying To Break Up Fight In South Korea

Related Articles

D4vd To Go On Trial Over Murder Of 14-Year-Old Girl As Judge Rules Evidence Is Sufficient

Harith Iskander Proposes Abolishing SJKCs, But Says Mandarin Should Be Compulsory In National Schools

Italian Students Apologise After Bangkok Train Incident Sparks Nationwide Outrage In Thailand

From Ghost Rider To Black Panther 3: Everything Marvel Revealed At San Diego Comic-Con 2026

Malaysian Man Fatally Stabbed While Trying To Break Up Fight In South Korea