Malaysia arrests 7 Japanese men suspected of phone scam operation

The syndicate allegedly impersonated bank staff and told victims there were problems with their accounts, requesting they transfer funds to another account

The men, aged between 23 and 41, have been charged with violating immigration law

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Malaysia arrested seven Japanese nationals they say were involved in a phone scam operation. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 8:20pm, 20 Nov 2023

Malaysian police said on Monday they arrested seven Japanese men suspected of operating a phone scam that targeted citizens in their home country after raiding a condominium in Kuala Lumpur.

The men, aged between 23 and 41, were arrested and immediately charged with violating immigration law.

The police said they raided a flat in the Malaysian capital and apprehended the suspects, seizing their phones and other items, after being tipped off by the Japanese Embassy.

Investigations showed that “the syndicate was operating a phone scam” targeting Japanese nationals using the Skype call and messaging application to contact their victims, Commercial Crime Investigation Department head Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said.

The syndicate members allegedly impersonated banking staff and told victims there were problems with their accounts, requesting that they transfer funds to another account provided by the scammers.

The suspects are being held by immigration authorities pending further investigation.