Malaysia immigration raids call centre syndicate in Pahang

The Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) detained 98 individuals, including 95 foreigners, during a raid on a resort in Sungai Lembing, Pahang, suspected of housing a “call centre” scam syndicate. The operation, conducted on October 5 following a month of intelligence gathering, targeted a facility used to conceal fraudulent activities.

The detainees include 89 Chinese nationals, along with individuals from Myanmar, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Russia. Three Malaysian locals, including the resort owner and staff, were also detained. Authorities seized 100 mobile phones, 120 desktop computers, 11 Starlink equipment sets, and various passports and cash.

Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stated the syndicate operated 24 hours a day in shifts and used the remote resort to evade detection. The group reportedly used Starlink for internet connectivity and generators for power to avoid using standard telecommunications and utility networks.

Investigations are ongoing to determine if some of the detained foreigners were victims of human trafficking or job scams forced to work in the centre. The syndicate is believed to have operated in Cambodia and Vietnam before relocating to Malaysia.