Melaka Police Smash Overseas ‘Love Scam’ And Fake Crypto Exchange Syndicate, 13 Foreigners Arrested

MELAKA, Nov 5 – Melaka Police have successfully dismantled an international online fraud syndicate operating a “love scam” and non-existent cryptocurrency exchange hub following a raid at a residential premises in Taman Kota Shahbandar on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

Melaka Tengah District Police Chief ACP Halim Abas announced on Thursday, November 5, 2026, that 13 foreign nationals—comprising 11 Chinese men, one Taiwanese man, and one Chinese woman aged between 24 and 36—were taken into custody during the 3:00 PM raid.

Initial police investigations revealed that the syndicate specifically targeted citizens in Mainland China using social messaging platforms, including Telegram, QQ Chat, and the Soul application. Operatives used romantic deception and false investment promises to persuade victims to transfer funds for fake cryptocurrency exchange investments guaranteeing high returns.

“Initial investigations found that members of the syndicate entered Malaysia from the Philippines, Taiwan, Laos, and China by airplane between February and September last year,” Halim stated. “All suspects are believed to have used tourist visas to enter the country and started operating at the premises about three months ago.”

While total financial losses suffered by victims remain under investigation, police seized operational electronic hardware valued at approximately RM50,000, including 12 laptops, one desktop computer, 26 mobile phones, and a Unifi internet router.

All 13 suspects have been remanded for four days until November 8 to facilitate ongoing investigations under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying or violating visa terms.

Halim urged the public to exercise caution when engaging with unknown individuals online and to verify suspicious banking details using the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Semak Mule portal ([https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my](https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my)). Scam victims are advised to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) via the 997 hotline to enable swift freeze orders on fraudulent financial transfers.

Raid Details, Suspect Demographics, and Seized Assets

Key case metrics, suspect profiles, and seized evidence include:

• Raid Location & Date: Taman Kota Shahbandar, Melaka Tengah (3:00 PM, Wednesday, Nov 4, 2026).
• Suspect Demographics: 13 foreigners (11 Chinese men, 1 Taiwanese man, 1 Chinese woman; aged 24–36).
• Target Audience & Platforms: Mainland Chinese victims targeted via Telegram, QQ Chat, and Soul apps.
• Travel & Operations: Entered Malaysia on tourist visas from Philippines, Taiwan, Laos, and China between Feb–Sept 2025; operated locally for ~3 months.
• Seized Equipment (~RM50,000 value): 12 laptops, 1 desktop computer, 26 mobile phones, and 1 Unifi router.
• Legal Remand & Charges: 4-day remand until Nov 8 under Section 420 Penal Code (Cheating) and Section 15(1)(c) Immigration Act 1959/63.

–NMT