“`html
MUAR: malaysian police have dismantled a call centre operation in Johor that defrauded individuals nationwide through fake loan offers. The operation, based in a house in Taman Abong near Muar, was raided on Febuary 5, 2026, leading to the arrest of eight individuals.
Details of the Bust
The suspects – three women adn five men,aged between 21 and 30 – allegedly impersonated representatives from financial institutions or loan companies,and also used social media to target potential victims. According to Johor police chief ACP Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz, the call centre had been operating since June 2025. The Star
During the raid, police seized 20 mobile phones, two laptops, a WiFi modem, a cheque book, and a notebook containing victim details, with a total estimated value of RM10,000. Additionally, 12 other individuals were detained in separate locations across Johor in connection with phone scams, e-commerce fraud, and the misuse of bank accounts, resulting in losses exceeding RM190,000.
Modus Operandi
Investigations revealed that the scam involved victims being coerced into surrendering or renting their ATM cards and providing their PINs to unknown individuals. This allowed the perpetrators to access victims’ funds illegally.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Examination
All 20 detained individuals are currently being held for a four-day remand period. The case is being investigated under Sections 420 (cheating) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Penal Code. Conviction under these sections can result in significant fines and imprisonment.