Melaka Raids Dismantle Scam Calling Centres Behind Love and Investment Fraud — 45 Arrested
Police raids on 23 April 2026 in Taman Kota Bendahari, Melaka, dismantled two separate scam calling centres operating behind sex, love, and investment fraud schemes. A total of 45 foreign nationals aged 20 to 44 were arrested across two premises. Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar confirmed the operation at a press conference.
The first premises yielded 21 arrests — 19 Chinese men, one Chinese woman, and one Indonesian woman — running a sex service scam that offered non-existent services through a mobile application targeting Chinese nationals. The second premises saw 24 arrests — 19 Vietnamese men, four Vietnamese women, and one Chinese man — operating love scams and fake cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting Vietnamese victims. Both operations had been running since January 2026.
The two syndicates functioned as structured businesses with clear hierarchies and compensation. Operators earned monthly salaries of RM2,500 to RM5,000, while supervisors earned RM5,000 to RM6,000. Recruitment commissions of RM500 to RM2,000 were paid for each new victim successfully enrolled.
The love and investment syndicate used a mobile application to build relationships with victims before steering them toward cryptocurrency investments through specific websites. The sex service syndicate simply took payment for services that were never delivered.
Police seized 3 laptops, 21 computers with full workstations, 85 mobile phones, 18 scam script documents, 32 passports, and networking equipment from the two locations. All 45 suspects face charges under Section 420 (cheating) and Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Penal Code, along with immigration offences. They were remanded until 30 April 2026.
How common are scam call centres in Malaysia?
Malaysia has seen a series of high-profile raids on scam call centres in recent years. These operations are often linked to transnational syndicates with connections across Southeast Asia. The 45 arrests in Melaka reflect ongoing enforcement efforts.
How do I report a love or investment scam in Malaysia?
Call 997 (NSRC), lodge a police report, report via SemakMule at semakmule.rmp.gov.my.
⚠ Red Flags
- !Unsolicited romantic contact online — Strangers who quickly profess love and soon ask for money are almost certainly part of a romance scam syndicate
- !Investment offers from online contacts — Anyone met through social media or dating apps who recommends a specific investment platform is likely directing you to a fraudulent site
- !Too-good-to-be-true returns — Platforms showing consistent high returns with no risk are designed to build false confidence before extracting larger sums
- !Pressure to act quickly — Scam operators create urgency to prevent victims from consulting family, friends, or financial advisors
- !Requests for crypto or wire transfers — These payment methods are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover
🛡 How to Protect Yourself
- 1Cut off contact immediately if you suspect you are communicating with a scam operator
- 2Do not send any more money, regardless of what the person claims
📞 How to Report
- 1Call 997 (National Scam Response Centre) immediately
- 2Lodge a police report at your nearest station
- 3Report via SemakMule (semakmule.rmp.gov.my)
Want to learn more?
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