What kind of online scams are these migrants suspected of?

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Migrants Suspected of Involvement in Online Scam Activities

Ten foreign nationals, including a Thai national believed to be the transporter, were apprehended by the General Operations Force (GOF) in Tumpat, Kelantan, on suspicion of being involved in online scam activities. The arrests were made on June 22 after a patrol team spotted a suspicious Honda Accord. Upon stopping the vehicle, nine other foreign nationals, identified as seven Chinese and two Myanmar nationals aged between 22 and 31, were found inside without valid travel documents. The driver, a 25-year-old who tested positive for methamphetamine, admitted to being paid RM150 per migrant to transport them into Malaysia via illegal routes from Thailand since January.

The suspicion of online scam involvement stems directly from the seizure of 22 mobile phones and a laptop from the apprehended migrants. While the specific nature of these scams is not detailed, such devices are commonly used in various fraudulent schemes. These can range from phishing attacks, where individuals are tricked into revealing personal information through deceptive emails or messages, to romance scams, where perpetrators build online relationships to solicit money. Furthermore, mobile phones and laptops are instrumental in operating fake investment platforms or facilitating business email compromise (BEC) scams, where fraudulent invoices or requests are sent to organisations.

The operation also led to the confiscation of the vehicle and other items, with the total value of seized items estimated at RM77,100. The investigation is proceeding under several key legislative acts, including the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, the Immigration Act 1959/63, and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. This multi-faceted investigation highlights the interconnectedness of organised crime, including smuggling, drug use, and financial fraud.

In a separate, but related, development on June 30, a local man was arrested at an illegal jetty in Pasir Mas for allegedly attempting to smuggle 1,530 kilogrammes of packet cooking oil into Thailand. This underscores the broader issue of cross-border illicit activities being addressed by the GOF in the region.

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What kind of online scams are these migrants suspected of?

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