Malaysian police have arrested 35 Chinese nationals linked to a sophisticated scam syndicate operating out of a luxury villa in Johor, with victims reportedly targeted in Spain through fake job offers.
The raid, carried out on 14 May in Gelang Patah, uncovered what authorities described as a scam centre using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to overcome language barriers while deceiving victims overseas.
According to Malaysian police, the syndicate allegedly lured Spaniards with promises of high-paying employment opportunities before convincing them to purchase costly “packages” in exchange for better salaries and work prospects.
Victims would later discover they had been scammed.
AI Technology Allegedly Used To Communicate With Victims
Authorities revealed that the scam group relied heavily on AI-powered translation tools during conversations with targets in Spain.
Police said the suspects allegedly translated their Chinese speech into English while Spanish responses were also converted into English in real time to facilitate smoother communication.
The operation highlights how scam syndicates are increasingly using emerging AI technology to target victims globally, raising concerns over more advanced cross-border fraud schemes.
The syndicate’s activities were reportedly based inside a rented bungalow with six rooms in Gelang Patah, Johor. Malaysian media reported that the property cost around RM18,000 monthly rent, which converts to approximately S$5,810.
Investigators believe the scam operation had been active since February 2026.
Majority Of Arrested Suspects Worked As Online Scam Agents
Among the 35 individuals arrested, 33 allegedly worked as online agents responsible for finding and communicating with victims through the messaging platform Telegram.
The remaining two individuals were reportedly employed as cooks supporting the operation.
During the raid, police confiscated numerous electronic devices believed to have been used in the scam activities, including 35 mobile phones, 35 laptops, 10 desktop computers and 12 internet modems.
Authorities also disclosed that the suspects were allegedly paid up to RM4,000 monthly, equivalent to around S$1,290, for their involvement in the syndicate.
All 35 suspects tested negative for drugs and reportedly had no prior criminal records.
Malaysian Police Searching For Alleged Local Middleman
Police are now searching for a 25-year-old Malaysian man identified as Muhamad Ling Mohd Adam Ling, who is believed to have coordinated the syndicate’s operations locally.
Authorities suspect he acted as a middleman responsible for organising accommodation and logistics for the foreign nationals involved.
The case adds to growing concerns across Southeast Asia over international scam syndicates setting up operations in the region, often targeting victims overseas while exploiting technology such as AI translation software and encrypted messaging apps.
Law enforcement agencies in Malaysia and neighbouring countries have stepped up crackdowns in recent years as scam operations become increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect.