GEORGE TOWN, November 29 — The Commercial Crime Investigation Department of Penang Police successfully dismantled a phone scam call centre targeting victims in Japan, arresting 18 suspects, including 14 Japanese and Chinese nationals aged 25 to 51, during raids at two bungalows in Simpang Ampat.
Operating for the past three months, the syndicate used Telegram and GO (Japan) apps to impersonate Japanese police and defraud victims, with salaries ranging from RM5,000 to RM8,000 monthly. Authorities seized mobile phones, tablets, laptops, walkie-talkies, Japanese-language scam scripts, and other paraphernalia.
All suspects are remanded for further investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries imprisonment of 1–10 years, whipping, and fines. Police advise the public not to respond to unknown calls or messages and to verify suspicious contacts with authorities immediately.
