Cops bust crypto scam call centre in Bagan Datuk, 22 foreigners held

IPOH: Police have arrested 22 Chinese nationals and shut down a cryptocurrency scam call centre operating out of a homestay in Bagan Datuk.

Perak police chief Comm Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said the arrests were made during a raid at the premises at about 1am on Tuesday (April 7).

“Those arrested included 19 men and three women, aged between 22 and 40,” he said.

During the operation, police seized 35 mobile phones, nine laptops, and various networking equipment worth approximately RM95,000.

Comm Noor Hisam told a press conference at the state police headquarters on Thursday (April 9) that the syndicate used a platform known as Pyxora Labs.

The investigation revealed that the group specifically targeted victims in Italy.

“They would contact their victims via WhatsApp and Telegram, trying to influence them into joining the scam investment scheme,” he said.

Payments were reportedly made using the USDT (Tether) cryptocurrency via the Pyxora Labs app or website.

The group is believed to have been operating since February.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 and 120(b) of the Penal Code.

Those found guilty of cheating face a jail term of up to 10 years, whipping, and a fine.

All suspects are currently remanded until April 10 to assist with further investigations.