IGP confirms 130 Malaysians held in Pakistan over cybercrime syndicate, investigators may be sent to Rawalpindi

Pakistani authorities detained 130 Malaysian passport holders in Rawalpindi. Police allege the group was connected to a cybercrime syndicate targeting Malaysians. The detainees are not described as convicted. Their alleged involvement remains part of an investigation by Pakistan’s authorities, with Malaysian police seeking fuller details.

The suspected scheme used call centres and internet calling applications. People allegedly posed as bank customer service officers and warned victims about suspicious transactions. Calls were then transferred to others posing as Malaysian police officers. These callers allegedly threatened victims with money-laundering accusations, criminal cases and legal action before demanding money transfers.

Some detainees reportedly had valid visas, while others’ visas had expired. The full identities and profiles of those detained had not yet been obtained. Malaysia is coordinating with Pakistan through the Foreign Ministry. Bukit Aman’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department may send investigators to Pakistan to monitor the case.

The known figure is 130 Malaysians detained in Rawalpindi. That number shows the investigation involves a large group of alleged participants, rather than a lone suspect. However, it does not establish how many people worked in the wider network or how many victims were affected.

The reported operation allegedly used premises in KASA Tower, Bahria Town Phase VIII. Pakistani investigators found digital devices and equipment there. The location was believed to have been used to defraud Malaysians. The alleged network included call-centre supervisors and managers in Pakistan, a Malaysian believed to be operating from Cambodia, and a Chinese national linked to cryptocurrency conversion.

Important figures remain unavailable. The article states that authorities have not disclosed the total losses suffered by victims, the number of confirmed victims or the value of money seized. Therefore, 130 is the confirmed detention figure, not the operation’s total size or its financial impact.

A cybercrime syndicate is an organised network that uses computers, phones or online services to commit crimes. Unlike an individual online scammer, it can divide work among several people. One person may contact victims, while others manage callers, move money or direct operations. This definition uses established general knowledge; the article describes the alleged network’s roles but does not provide a formal definition.

The reported scheme allegedly used callers posing as bank officers and police officers. The article also mentions call-centre supervisors and managers in Pakistan. A Malaysian operating from Cambodia was believed to direct the operation, while a Chinese national was identified in connection with converting cryptocurrency into Pakistani cash.

That structure matters because investigators must examine people, devices, premises and financial transfers across borders. The 130 detainees are part of the investigation, but the article does not establish each person’s role or guilt. Authorities still need to determine how the network operated and who directed it.

The alleged scam relied on authority and fear. Callers first pretended to be bank customer service officers. They claimed the victim’s account showed suspicious or unauthorised transactions. This created an urgent financial problem and made the next demand sound official.

The call was then transferred to people posing as Malaysian police officers. Some allegedly wore police uniforms and used office-like backgrounds during video calls. They threatened victims with money-laundering allegations, criminal cases and legal action. The pressure was designed to make victims transfer money instead of checking the claims independently.

The article says proceeds were believed to be received through Touch ’n Go eWallet before being converted into cryptocurrency. It does not state how many victims received calls or how much each person lost. The case remains under investigation, while Pakistani authorities examine digital devices and equipment seized from the reported premises.

The reported payment route had two stages. Victims allegedly transferred money through Touch ’n Go eWallet. The proceeds were then believed to be converted into cryptocurrency through several channels. The article presents this as the suspected movement of funds, not as a confirmed explanation of the network’s motives.

This route matters because investigators can examine both digital payment records and cryptocurrency transactions. They may compare victim transfers, eWallet activity, conversion records and devices found at the premises. The article also identifies a Chinese national believed to have received cryptocurrency before converting it into Pakistani cash.

The precise reason for choosing this route has not been disclosed. It may have helped the alleged network move money between services and countries, but that would be a general explanation, not an established fact in this case. Authorities have not yet revealed the total amount transferred, converted or seized.

International crime networks often distribute tasks across countries. One location may direct operations, another may host callers, and another may handle money. This can reduce reliance on one place and create separate evidence trails. That is a general explanation, while the article specifically reports alleged roles in Malaysia, Pakistan, Cambodia and China.

Here, a Malaysian was believed to operate from Cambodia and direct the syndicate. Call-centre supervisors and managers were allegedly in Pakistan. A Chinese national was believed to receive cryptocurrency and convert it into Pakistani cash. The alleged victims were Malaysians, and the callers reportedly impersonated Malaysian officials.

This arrangement makes investigations harder because authorities may need records, interviews and digital evidence from multiple jurisdictions. Different agencies must coordinate over arrests, devices, financial transfers and legal procedures. Malaysia is working with Pakistan through the Foreign Ministry. Malaysian police may also send investigators to Pakistan to monitor progress.

Pakistan is investigating the case under Sections 13, 14 and 16 of its Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, amended in 2025. Penal Code provisions on extortion, impersonation, fraud and abetment also apply, according to the report. These provisions indicate the seriousness of the allegations, but the article does not state the penalties that any individual would receive.

The 130 detainees could face further investigation and possible legal proceedings in Pakistan if authorities develop sufficient evidence. Alleged organisers may also be examined for directing operations, managing call centres, handling proceeds or assisting the fraud. No convictions, charges or sentencing outcomes are reported. The detainees’ individual roles have not yet been fully established.

Malaysia and Pakistan are cooperating through Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry. Malaysian police are communicating with Pakistani authorities and have referred the matter to Bukit Aman’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department. A Malaysian investigation team may be sent to Pakistan to monitor progress. Full profiles, victim numbers and losses remain undisclosed.