Malaysian citizens detained in Pakistan cyber scam raid

Pakistani authorities, through the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, raided a suspected online scam center at KASA Tower in Rawalpindi. The operation resulted in the detention of approximately 130 Malaysian passport holders.

Reports indicate the syndicate operated a call center that targeted Malaysian citizens by impersonating bank customer service officers and police officials. The group allegedly used video calls and police uniforms to intimidate victims, claiming they were involved in money laundering to coerce fund transfers via e-wallets and cryptocurrency. Investigations suggest the operation may have been directed by a Malaysian national based in Cambodia.

Malaysian Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail, stated that authorities are working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistani security agencies to review the profiles of the detainees. A key focus of the ongoing investigation is to determine if the individuals were intentional participants in criminal activities or victims of human trafficking who were deceived into working in Pakistan. While some detainees hold valid visas, others may have overstayed. The Royal Malaysia Police may deploy investigators to Pakistan as more information becomes available.