Police have arrested 12 Chinese nationals believed to be involved in an online love scam call centre syndicate during raids at two houses in Ipoh recently.
Perak Police Chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the arrests were made following two separate raids conducted by the Ipoh District Police Headquarters Commercial Crime Investigation Division at about 4.15pm.
He said all 12 suspects, aged between 25 and 40, were detained during the operations at houses in Taman Ipoh Selatan and Medan Pengkalan Setia.
“Based on initial investigations and conversation scripts found in the seized laptops, police believe the syndicate was operating a call centre involved in online love scam activities,” he said.
Mohd Alwi said the syndicate had allegedly been operating at both premises since June 2026 and targeted victims from China.
He said the group used platforms such as Telegram and WeChat, along with local internet access, to carry out their activities.
“The suspects allegedly used attractive-looking individuals’ photos to contact random victims before persuading them to participate in fake buying and selling schemes promising high returns.
“Victims were then instructed to make repeated payments,” he said.
During the operation, police seized 158 mobile phones, six laptops, six computer mice, five WiFi routers, five conversation scripts, 15 SIM cards, three USB charging stations and three wire connectors.
The total value of the seized items was estimated at around RM34,500.
Mohd Alwi said all suspects have been remanded for three days from July 17 to July 19 to assist investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 420/120B of the Penal Code and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act.
If convicted, offenders may face imprisonment of up to 10 years, whipping and a fine.
