{
  "id": 3009950,
  "title": "20 foreign men held over online love scam syndicate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/20-foreign-men-held-over-online-love-scam-syndicate",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T11:49:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/08/1518056/20-foreign-men-held-over-online-love-scam-syndicate"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Police in Malaysia have detained 20 foreign men suspected of orchestrating an online love scam syndicate targeting victims in China, according to authorities. The suspects, ranging in age from 19 to 41, were apprehended during a raid on a homestay in Batu Ferringhi on Tuesday evening. The investigation, conducted by the Northeast District Commercial Crime Investigation Department and Batu Ferringhi police station, was focused on the alleged use of Telegram to facilitate the scams. In addition to being held for four days pending further investigation, all suspects were also seized various items including mobile phones, laptops and telecommunications equipment. The case is under investigation under Sections 420 and 120B of the Penal Code.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN: Police have arrested 20 foreign men suspected of operating an online love scam syndicate targeting victims in China.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}