POLICE have arrested 31 people, including foreign nationals, in five separate operations against suspected online scam call centres in Kuantan and Genting Highlands, Bentong, between Oct 6 and 14.
Pahang acting police chief Datuk Azry Akmar Ayob said the syndicate was believed to have operated online investment scams, romance scams and fake part-time job schemes targeting victims in China, Europe and the United States.
In the first operation in Sungai Lembing on Oct 6, police arrested five suspects — three Chinese men, an Indian man and a Myanmar woman — over suspected online investment fraud.
The following day, seven Chinese men were arrested in Kuantan in another operation linked to investment scams.
Azry Akmar said eight more suspects were arrested in Kuantan on Oct 12 over suspected involvement in romance scams, followed by four Chinese men detained on Oct 13 in a separate operation involving a similar modus operandi.
In the final operation on Oct 14, police arrested seven Chinese men at Genting Highlands in Bentong over suspected fake part-time job offers promoted through the Amazon platform.
Police also seized computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, modems and routers, as well as RM4,850 in cash.
“Initial investigations found that the activities were carried out in an organised manner, with each member assigned a specific role,” Azry Akmar told a press conference at the Pahang police contingent headquarters on Tuesday.
He said the syndicate allegedly used fake social media accounts, communication applications and internet networks to deceive victims and conceal the identities of those involved.
The case is being investigated under Sections 420 and 120B of the Penal Code, as well as relevant provisions of the Immigration Act.
Azry Akmar warned that police would take action against any individuals, property agents, premises operators or building owners suspected of being involved in, assisting or conspiring with the syndicate.
“Thorough investigations will be conducted against any parties suspected of involvement, and legal action, including prosecution in court, will be taken if there is sufficient evidence,” he said. - October 20, 2026