A total of 130 Malaysians have been arrested by Pakistani authorities in Rawalpindi over their alleged involvement in a cybercrime syndicate, prompting Malaysian police to work with their counterparts to obtain further details.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) was coordinating closely with Pakistani authorities through the Foreign Ministry to establish the full circumstances surrounding the arrests.
He said the matter had been referred to the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director for further action, adding that an investigative team could potentially be sent to Pakistan to monitor developments and examine the investigation.
“Some of those detained have valid visas, while others have overstayed,” he said.
Mohd Khalid added that the Pakistani government had been assisting Malaysian authorities to ensure the investigation proceeded accordingly, while the CCID would maintain communication with its counterparts there.
He was speaking to reporters at the 2026 Malaysian Ex-Police Association’s Jasamu Dikenang dinner last night.
Asked about the identities of those detained, he said Malaysian police had yet to receive their complete profiles, but confirmed that all 130 individuals were Malaysian passport holders from various ethnic backgrounds.
Pakistani media reported yesterday that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had raided an online scam call centre at KASA Tower, Bahria Town Phase VIII, Rawalpindi.
The operation uncovered an alleged financial fraud scheme targeting victims in Malaysia, with syndicate members impersonating bank customer service officers and uniformed police personnel to intimidate victims using claims of involvement in money laundering.
Investigators found that proceeds from the scams were transferred through electronic wallets before being converted into cryptocurrency.
The syndicate is believed to have been masterminded by a Malaysian national operating from Cambodia, in collaboration with a Chinese national.
All suspects are being investigated under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, as well as relevant provisions of the country’s Penal Code covering extortion, impersonation, fraud and abetment.
