The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM), in collaboration with Chinese authorities, has successfully dismantled an international fraud syndicate believed to be led by wanted Chinese nationals.
The coordinated operation, known as Op Dragon, was carried out between October and December last year. Authorities targeted a cross-border criminal network suspected of operating in several countries, including Malaysia.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate used various communication platforms and technological tools to deceive victims across borders through sophisticated scam operations.
16 Alleged Ring Leaders Arrested
According to Senior Director of the Special Operations Division (BOK) at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin, enforcement teams arrested 16 key suspects believed to be the ring leaders of the criminal group while they were hiding in Malaysia.
“All of the suspects are Chinese nationals and have been repatriated to China to face legal proceedings,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that the deportation process was carried out with the cooperation of the Chinese Embassy and the Malaysian Immigration Department, with all legal and diplomatic procedures strictly adhered to.
Luxury Cars, Gold Bars Among Assets Seized
Authorities also confiscated numerous assets suspected to have been obtained through illegal activities linked to the syndicate.
Among the items seized were two luxury vehicles, jewellery, gold bars, personal computers, laptops, cash in various foreign currencies and hundreds of mobile phones of different brands believed to have been used as key tools in the scam operations.
The seized assets are estimated to be worth millions of ringgit.
“SPRM is currently undertaking forfeiture proceedings against the assets in accordance with existing legal provisions before they are returned to the Malaysian government,” Mohamad Zamri said.
Strengthening Global Enforcement Cooperation
The success of Op Dragon highlights Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation with international enforcement agencies in combating financial crimes and cross-border fraud.
Authorities emphasised that such criminal activities could threaten economic security and national interests if left unchecked.
“SPRM remains firm in its stance that any abuse of the financial system, corruption and fraud will continue to be addressed through strict enforcement and close cooperation with international enforcement partners,” he added.
