Seven scam syndicates targeting overseas victims busted across S’wak, 42 arrested in Ops Magpie

Saifullizan speaking in a press conference at the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters in Kuching on Nov 12, 2026.

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Nov 12: Seven online scam syndicates targeting overseas victims have been busted across Sarawak under Ops Magpie 01/2026, resulting in 42 arrests and the seizure of items worth an estimated RM229,500.

Sarawak Police Commissioner CP Saifullizan Ishak said the operation, conducted by the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) from Oct 19 to 31 at suspected call centre premises in Bintulu, Kuching, Padawan, Miri and Sibu.

“Throughout October 2026, raids were carried out at seven premises comprising two bungalow houses, three terrace houses and two apartment units.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of 42 individuals aged between 19 and 61, comprising 36 men and six women.

“Of these, 14 were locals, while 28 were foreign nationals, comprising 18 Chinese nationals, eight Indonesians, one Taiwanese and one Myanmar national,” he added during a press conference at the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters here today.

Saifullizan said the syndicates were involved in various fraudulent activities, including fake investment schemes involving cryptocurrency, non-existent online gambling platforms and the management of proceeds from scam activities.

Their victims were exclusively overseas, including individuals in Japan, China, Indonesia and Austria, with no locals targeted.

He added that the raids resulted in the seizure of 33 laptops, four desktop computer sets, 76 mobile phones, five sets of Unifi devices, one Starlink set and a four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle.

The cases are being investigated under Sections 420 and 120B of the Penal Code for cheating and criminal conspiracy.

To date, 33 individuals have been charged in court, while another three have been made prosecution witnesses. Of those charged, 17 pleaded guilty and were each fined between RM500 and RM4,000.

Saifullizan said police remained committed to tackling online scam syndicates operating in Malaysia and targeting victims overseas, adding that enforcement efforts would be intensified against the networks and those involved.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, particularly at residential premises or buildings suspected of being used as bases for online scam operations.

Members of the public with relevant information can contact the Sarawak CCID at 011-62890089 to enable prompt action. — DayakDaily