7 Charged for Luring Minors into Cross-Border Scam Syndicate
Seven individuals — 6 men and one woman — were formally charged in Johor Bahru for their involvement in a heartless syndicate that allegedly preyed on underage victims and forced them into scam operations.
The accused, aged between late teens and early 30s, were seen arriving at the Johor Bahru courthouse around 9.35am under heavy police escort. All six tried to shield their faces from the media, with some using their hands or clothing to avoid being identified. One of the male suspects is said to be underage himself.
Earlier in the week, the same group had already faced charges at the Kulai Magistrate Court in connection to the same case, which shocked even seasoned investigators due to the disturbing exploitation involved.
Minors Tricked, Exploited and Almost Trafficked Abroad
Investigations revealed that this was no ordinary scam syndicate. Police believe the group was part of a transnational criminal network that targeted vulnerable teens by luring them with false job offers, only to trap them in scam operations. What made this case even more horrifying is that some victims were allegedly subjected to sexual abuse and had explicit photos taken against their will.
There were also plans to send the victims overseas, where they would have been sold to criminal networks abroad — commonly referred to in the region as becoming “piglets” or zhu zai, a term used for trafficked scam labourers. Fortunately, the police acted in time and rescued two minors who were on the verge of being smuggled out.
Reports suggest the operation may have been active for a significant period before the arrests, with several others still under investigation. Authorities have not ruled out further charges.
Authorities Warn Public to Stay Vigilant
The Royal Malaysia Police are urging the public, especially parents and teens, to be wary of dubious job offers online. Syndicates often use social media platforms to recruit young people, dangling promises of quick money, remote work, or overseas opportunities — all of which may be fronts for exploitation.
In Singapore, similar scams have been reported where young people unknowingly become mule accounts for overseas criminal groups. The Singapore Police Force advises citizens to never surrender control of their bank accounts, NRIC, or SingPass credentials to strangers — even if they appear trustworthy online.
Efforts between Singaporean and Malaysian law enforcement continue to intensify, with cross-border cooperation becoming increasingly vital in tackling cyber scams, online job fraud, and human trafficking.
Image Source :chinapress