Malaysian police have taken down a major online fraud ring that used men disguised as women to lure unsuspecting gamblers — including Singaporeans — into online betting traps.
According to Sin Chew Daily, Selangor Police Chief Shazeli Kahar revealed that officers raided a house in Sungai Buloh at about 5.10am on 30 August. The operation led to the arrest of 34 individuals, among them a Malaysian believed to be the mastermind, 28 foreign men, and five foreign women. All suspects are between 19 and 33 years old. Police also seized 21 laptops and 22 mobile phones used in the scams.
Investigations showed that the syndicate’s leader instructed male members to pose as women online, befriending gamblers from Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong and other regions. Once trust was established, victims were persuaded to create accounts on illegal gambling platforms and transfer money to overseas bank accounts.
Scammers Posed as ‘Customer Service Staff’
Authorities said the syndicate operated daily from 9am to 11pm, with members acting as “customer service staff.” Their job was to stay active online, play games, chat with potential victims, and slowly coax them into betting more money.
The scam was highly profitable for its operators. The syndicate supervisor reportedly earned about RM5,000 (S$1,524) per month, while other members received around RM2,000 (S$609). Investigations also revealed that of the 33 foreign suspects, only five had entered Malaysia legally on tourist visas, raising concerns over immigration loopholes.
Police Crackdown Highlights Rising Risks
The arrests shed light on how sophisticated online gambling scams have become, using fake identities, romance-style tactics, and social media channels to lure victims. For Singaporeans, this is a stark reminder of the dangers of engaging with unlicensed gambling platforms, especially as these operations are often linked to cross-border crime syndicates.
Authorities in both Singapore and Malaysia continue to warn the public against falling for online gambling traps. Victims are encouraged to verify platforms, avoid suspicious links, and report scams immediately to protect themselves from financial loss.