Cambodia-linked scam centres resurface in Madagascar, Malaysian among suspects

Raids against online scam centres in Madagascar have revealed connections with a criminal group that operated similar operations in Cambodia, duping African nationals through romance, cryptocurrency, and investment fraud, according to Madagascar's justice ministry and US authorities. Chinese nationals were found to be the primary operators of these sites, with 148 individuals extradited to China.

In August and September, US authorities, along with the DOJ, seized over $52 million in cryptocurrency and processed more than 3,200 electronic devices during operations targeting 13 Chinese-run scam compounds. The UNODC had previously warned about the expansion of these networks into Southern Africa.

Eleven Chinese nationals arrested separately in the crackdown were later released from a Madagascar jail in August, allegedly implicating the head of the prison service. African nationals, including those from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, were also in custody, having been recruited via social media with promises of salaries. However, upon arrival, they were forced to engage in scam activities and had their passports confiscated.

Chui Kok Wa, a Malaysian national, is among those charged with running a romance scam scheme. Sources suggest he arrived in Madagascar in 2024 from Cambodia, where his criminal group likely relocated after facing law enforcement action in Cambodia. The FBI has noted that cyber scam centres are increasingly opening in Africa following the closure of similar operations in Southeast Asia.

Authorities in Madagascar attribute the arrival of these scam centres to the relocation of operations from Cambodia due to military conflict and police activity.