‘Love Scam’ Syndicate Busted, 21 Arrested by Immigration

NILAI: The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) arrested 21 individuals believed to be involved in a ‘love scam’ syndicate in a special operation around KLIA Terminal 1 and Nilai, on August 19.

Immigration Director-General, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said, the operation which began at 5.55 pm was carried out based on a month-long intelligence operation as well as information received from the public.

The intelligence operation uncovered the syndicate’s activities, which are believed to have deceived victims through romantic relationships before offering fake investment opportunities.

Investigations found that the syndicate used Telegram and WhatsApp to approach victims and charged between RM150 to RM500 per person to send foreigners to specific locations.

In a raid on a premises in Taman Desa Melati, Nilai, JIM also found 28 foreign passports, 11 desktop computers, laptops and 40 mobile phones, with a total value of case items estimated at RM484,800.

All 21 arrested are aged between 23 and 33 years old. The syndicate is believed to have been operating since the beginning of the year and was able to rake in profits of up to RM50,000 per month.

JIM informed that enforcement actions will continue to be intensified to combat activities that violate immigration laws and ensure the country’s security continues to be safeguarded.