130 Malaysians Arrested In Pakistan Cybercrime Raid Targetting Financial Scams

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31  – The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have confirmed that 130 Malaysian nationals were arrested by Pakistani law enforcement authorities in Rawalpindi for their alleged involvement in an international cybercrime and online scam syndicate.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail stated that PDRM is collaborating closely with Pakistani authorities through Wisma Putra (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to acquire full profiling details on the detainees.

Speaking to reporters during the 2026 Malaysian Ex-Police Association (PBPM) appreciation dinner in Kuala Lumpur, Mohd Khalid disclosed that Bukit Aman’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) stands ready to deploy an investigative team to Pakistan.

“So far, we have been informed that 130 Malaysians have been detained there. Some of them have valid visas, while others have overstayed,” the IGP said. “The CCID will continue communicating with the authorities there, and we may send officers there to obtain the full details.”

Mohd Khalid confirmed that while complete profile details are pending, all detainees hold Malaysian passports across various ethnic backgrounds.

The arrests follow a major raid executed by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) at an online scam call centre housed inside KASA Tower at Bahria Town Phase VIII, Rawalpindi.

Investigative findings revealed that the syndicate targeted Malaysian victims by impersonating banking customer service representatives and police officers, threatening victims with false money laundering accusations.

Stolen funds were routed through e-wallets before conversion into cryptocurrency. The syndicate is believed to be masterminded by a Malaysian national operating out of Cambodia alongside a Chinese national.

The suspects are being investigated under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and relevant Penal Code provisions governing fraud, extortion, impersonation, and criminal abetment.

Cybercrime Operation, Syndicate Mechanics, and Legal Action

Key syndicate tactics, law enforcement actions, and investigation parameters include:

• Detainee Breakdown: 130 Malaysian passport holders arrested in Rawalpindi, Pakistan; status varies between valid visa holders and overstayers.
• Syndicate Target & Modus Operandi: Targeted victims in Malaysia using phone scams; members impersonated bank staff and police personnel threatening false money laundering charges.
• Financial Laundering Pipeline: Defrauded funds transferred via e-wallets and converted into cryptocurrency assets.
• Raid Location & Masterminds: NCCIA raid conducted at KASA Tower, Bahria Town Phase VIII; syndicate led by a Cambodian-based Malaysian and a Chinese national.
• Police Action & Charges: PDRM CCID preparing to send investigators to Pakistan; suspects charged under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016.

–NMT