“Ops Dragon: Malaysia–China Joint Crackdown Dismantles Global Scam Ring, RM3.5 Million in Assets Seized”

KUALA LUMPUR: A major international scam syndicate believed to be operated by Chinese nationals has been dismantled following a joint operation between the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Chinese authorities.

The integrated crackdown, known as Ops Dragon, targeted a sophisticated criminal network involved in cross-border fraud activities across several countries, including Malaysia. Investigators said the syndicate used various communication platforms and advanced technologies to deceive victims and carry out large-scale financial scams.

According to MACC Special Operations Division senior director Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin, authorities arrested 16 key suspects believed to be the masterminds of the operation.

“All the suspects are Chinese nationals and have been repatriated to China to face trial,” he said on Tuesday.

The repatriation was conducted in coordination with the Chinese Embassy and the Immigration Department of Malaysia, ensuring that all diplomatic and legal procedures were strictly followed.

During the operation, enforcement officers seized assets worth approximately RM3.5 million, believed to have been acquired through fraudulent activities. Among the items confiscated were two luxury vehicles, jewelry, gold bars, laptops, personal computers, cash in several foreign currencies, and hundreds of mobile phones suspected to have been used in the syndicate’s scam operations.

Authorities said the large number of mobile devices indicates the group relied heavily on digital platforms and telecommunications technology to conduct scams targeting victims across multiple countries.

The MACC has initiated civil forfeiture proceedings against the seized assets before transferring them to the Malaysian government.

Officials said the success of Ops Dragon highlights Malaysia’s growing cooperation with international law enforcement agencies in tackling financial crimes and cross-border fraud networks that threaten economic security.

The commission emphasized that it will continue to intensify enforcement efforts and strengthen partnerships with global authorities to combat corruption, financial system abuse, and transnational scam operations.