Malaysia arrests 18 over fake Hong Kong police scam
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Kuala Lumpur police have broken up a suspected cross-border telecom fraud operation that allegedly targeted people in Hong Kong, arresting 18 Taiwanese suspects in raids on two apartments at St Mary Residence in the city centre on 29 October. Investigators said the group is believed to have used internet-based calling tools while posing as Hong Kong police officers, and officers seized 69 mobile phones, five laptops and two Hong Kong police uniforms from the premises. The suspects, aged 19 to 43, include 17 men and one woman, and police believe the operation had been running for about five months. Malaysian police are investigating the case under Section 420 and Section 511 of the Penal Code, covering cheating and attempted offences.
Key Points
- The raids took place at about 6.35pm on 29 October at two residential units in St Mary Residence on Jalan Tengah, Kuala Lumpur.
- Police arrested 18 Taiwanese nationals on the spot, comprising 17 men and one woman aged between 19 and 43.
- Officers seized 69 mobile phones, five laptop computers and two Hong Kong police uniforms during the operation.
- Kuala Lumpur police said the suspects allegedly used internet communications equipment to impersonate Hong Kong police and target Hong Kong residents.
- Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Azwan Amin Nordin said the suspects were remanded for four days from 30 October until 2 November for investigation
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the case is a reminder that fraud syndicates can operate overseas while tailoring scams specifically to local victims by exploiting trust in law enforcement identities. The seizure of Hong Kong police uniforms also suggests a more elaborate impersonation method that could make scam calls appear more convincing to potential targets.