Seven Chinese nationals arrested in Malaysia over alleged love scam targeting Japanese victims

KEDAH, MALAYSIA: Malaysian police have arrested seven Chinese nationals after dismantling an alleged love scam syndicate operating from a rented shoplot in Alor Setar, in the northern state of Kedah. Investigators believe the group targeted Japanese victims through online dating and messaging platforms by posing as attractive men and women before persuading victims to transfer money.

The raid was carried out at about 1.40pm on 20 July 2026 at a building in the Kristal Light Industrial Area following intelligence gathered by the Commercial Crime Investigation Department of the Kedah Police Contingent Headquarters.

Call centre allegedly targeted Japanese victims

Kedah Police Chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said all seven suspects were Chinese men aged between 21 and 30.

Police believe the syndicate had been operating from the premises for more than a month after beginning operations in June 2026.

According to the initial investigation, the group used the Langmate dating application and the LINE messaging platform to contact Japanese victims.

Investigators alleged that the suspects created fake profiles using photographs of attractive men and women to build romantic relationships online before attempting to deceive victims into sending money.

"The syndicate created accounts using the images of handsome men and beautiful women to attract victims," Adzli said.

He added that six of the suspects were responsible for identifying and screening potential victims before passing their details to a supervisor for further action.

Police seize electronic devices

During the operation, police seized 58 items believed to have been used in the alleged scam.

The items included 34 mobile phones, six laptop computers, seven computer mice, five keyboards and other electronic equipment.

The seized equipment was estimated to be worth RM50,000 (approximately US$12,229).

Police said digital evidence recovered from the devices has so far identified at least 19 potential Japanese victims.

However, investigators have not yet determined the total amount of money allegedly lost in the scam.

Authorities said they have not identified any Malaysian victims linked to the operation.

Immigration offences also under investigation

Adzli said one of the seven suspects acted as the group's supervisor.

Only one suspect was found to possess valid immigration documents.

The remaining six allegedly did not have valid travel documents or legal entry permits. Police believe their passports may have been retained by the supervisor.

Investigators said the suspects were recruited in China after being offered employment opportunities in Malaysia.

According to police, the syndicate arranged their flights to Malaysia and provided accommodation at the operation centre.

The suspects were allegedly paid monthly salaries ranging from RM2,000 to RM3,000, depending on their responsibilities within the organisation.

Possible links to other scam syndicates

Police have not ruled out the possibility that the group is connected to a love scam syndicate previously dismantled by police in Penang.

Adzli said investigators are continuing to examine the evidence before determining whether the operations are linked.

He suggested that the syndicate may have deliberately operated on a small scale to reduce the risk of detection.

"The group appears to have adopted a small-scale operating model to avoid attracting attention," he said.

He compared the approach to tactics previously used by illegal migrant smuggling networks that move people in small groups to reduce the likelihood of detection.

Investigations continue

The seven suspects have been remanded for four days until 24 July.

Police are investigating the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, Section 120B of the Penal Code for criminal conspiracy, and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

Investigators said the findings will be submitted to the Royal Malaysia Police headquarters in Bukit Aman. If necessary, Malaysian authorities may seek assistance from Interpol as the investigation progresses.

Police also said they are tracing a 39-year-old Malaysian man, identified as Goeh Jia, who allegedly rented the shoplot to the syndicate. According to investigators, the property belonged to his late father-in-law.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the full scale of the operation, identify additional suspects and establish the total financial losses suffered by victims.

They are also working to determine whether all fraudulent activities were conducted from within Malaysia or involved operations in other countries.

Concerns over regional relocation

The continuing series of raids has reinforced concerns that organised scam syndicates are adapting to intensified law enforcement efforts across Southeast Asia by relocating their operations.

Recent crackdowns along the Thai-Myanmar border, as well as in Cambodia and Laos, have disrupted numerous large-scale scam compounds linked to online fraud.

Earlier in June, a Malaysian anti-trafficking non-governmental organisation alleged that criminal groups displaced from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar could be shifting operations into Malaysia.

The allegation prompted police to call for intelligence and evidence while increasing scrutiny of possible cross-border movements by organised criminal networks.

In recent months, Malaysian authorities have uncovered alleged scam centres targeting victims in China, Singapore, Indonesia, Italy and Spain.

Investigations indicate that many of the operations specialised in cryptocurrency investment fraud, romance scams, fake employment offers and other forms of online deception.