KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have confirmed that 130 Malaysians were detained by Pakistani authorities in Rawalpindi recently over their alleged involvement in a cybercrime syndicate.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said they are working closely with Pakistani authorities through the Foreign Ministry to obtain full details of the detentions.
The matter was brought to the attention of the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director for further action, and an investigation team may be sent to Pakistan to obtain a comprehensive update on the probe.
"So far, we have been informed that 130 Malaysians have been detained there. Some of them have valid visas, while others have overstayed.
"The Pakistani government is assisting us as best as it can to ensure that the investigation is carried out appropriately. The CCID will continue communicating with the authorities there, and we may send officers there to obtain the full details," he said.
Khalid was speaking to the media during the 2026 Malaysian Ex-Police Association (PBPM) Jasamu Dikenang Dinner last night.
When asked about the identities of all those detained, he said the full list of their profiles has yet to be obtained, but confirmed that they are Malaysian passport holders from various ethnic backgrounds.
Yesterday, the Pakistani media reported that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had raided an online scam call centre at KASA Tower, Bahria Town Phase VIII, Rawalpindi.
The raid uncovered a financial fraud operation targeting victims in Malaysia, with syndicate members posing as bank customer service officers and uniformed police personnel to intimidate victims with allegations of involvement in money laundering activities.
Pakistani authorities found that proceeds from the scams were transferred through e-wallets before being converted into cryptocurrency, and the syndicate is believed to have been masterminded by a Malaysian operating from Cambodia in collaboration with a Chinese national.
All the suspects are being investigated under Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and relevant provisions of the Penal Code relating to extortion, impersonation, fraud, and abetment.
