Authorities uncover illegal gaming syndicate targeting Southeast Asian players through Telegram and cryptocurrency payments.
A major online video game scam syndicate has been busted in Johor, leading to the arrest of five Chinese nationals in a police operation at Tanjung Kupang, Iskandar Puteri, on February 27, 2025.
The suspects, aged 24 to 36, were allegedly running an illegal call centre operation for the online game Good Game Arcade, scamming unsuspecting gamers across Southeast Asia. They lured victims via Telegram and required cryptocurrency payments to access the game, while earning a 20% commission on every transaction.
The Iskandar Puteri Police Department, along with the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), raided an apartment in Tanjung Kupang following reports of suspicious activity. At 4:30 PM on February 27, officers stormed the unit and arrested five Chinese nationals, who were allegedly operating an illegal video game scam syndicate.
According to Assistant Commissioner M. Kumarasan, the suspects entered Malaysia on tourist visas on February 11. They had been running the online fraud operation since December 2024, using a website and Telegram as their main platforms to lure victims.
Police investigations revealed that the syndicate tricked gamers by promoting the online game Good Game Arcade through Telegram and a dedicated website. Gamers had to register and pay a fee in cryptocurrency, with different charges depending on the game.
Each suspect received a monthly payment of RM7,000 (SGD 2,910) from a syndicate agent based in China. Additionally, they earned a 20% commission on every payment made by victims.
Police seized five laptops, nine mobile phones, a WiFi router, and an access card, estimated to be worth RM20,000 (SGD 8,300).
“The suspects were running an illegal call centre that specifically targeted gamers from Southeast Asia,” said ACP Kumarasan. “This is a sophisticated operation, and we are now tracking down other individuals involved.”
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Action
The five suspects are currently under remand until March 6, 2025, as police continue their investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which covers cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
Police are now working to identify additional syndicate members who may still be operating in Malaysia or overseas.
Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious, especially when dealing with online transactions involving cryptocurrency payments.
ACP Kumarasan also called on citizens to report any suspicious activity through the Iskandar Puteri police hotline at 07-5114222 or via the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) app.
Malaysia’s Growing Battle Against Online Scams
The rise of online fraud syndicates in Malaysia has become a major concern for law enforcement. Gaming scams, in particular, have seen a sharp increase, with many syndicates using cryptocurrency payments to avoid detection.
Authorities have stepped up cross-border cooperation, working closely with regional law enforcement agencies to dismantle international scam networks.
Malaysia’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) has also warned the public against Telegram-based scams, urging citizens to verify gaming platforms before making any payments.
The bust in Johor’s Tanjung Kupang underscores the persistent threat of online fraud syndicates. With the use of cryptocurrency and Telegram for scams on the rise, authorities are ramping up efforts to combat such criminal operations.
As investigations continue, law enforcement officials urge the public to stay alert, report suspicious activities, and avoid engaging with unverified gaming platforms. The fight against digital fraud is far from over, but this latest arrest marks a significant victory in Malaysia’s war on cybercrime.
Sources: The Star (2025), Malay Mail (2025)
Keywords: Johor, Online Scam, Gaming Fraud, Cryptocurrency, Police Arrest, Call Centre
