Police arrest 35 foreigners in Penang love scam, gold investment fraud raids

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 4 — Police have apprehended 35 foreign nationals allegedly connected to a fraud syndicate operating out of two residences in Bayan Lepas, Penang. According to Barat Daya police chief ACP Anuwal Ab Wahab, the suspects, 33 Chinese men, one Chinese woman, and one Taiwanese man, were arrested as part of a joint operation with the Penang Contingent Commercial Crime Investigation Department.

The syndicate allegedly targeted Chinese women aged 18 to 46 via Telegram from September last year. Police seized 119 mobile phones, three laptops, and chargers, estimated to be worth RM60,000. All suspects are currently in custody for questioning under Sections 420 and 120B of the Penal Code. Additionally, police are probing a traffic accident involving a Rapid Penang bus and a motorcycle that resulted in the death of a 29-year-old motorcyclist on Jalan Mayang Pasir.

Investigations are ongoing using witness statements, CCTV footage, and vehicle examinations, in line with Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.