Kuala Lumpur: Police investigations have revealed that 15 Malaysians were lured by job offer scams and subsequently forced to work as online scammers in Myanmar, according to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain. The group, which consists of 12 men and three women aged between 21 and 45, was compelled to serve as computer and mobile phone technicians for scam operations that started in 2023 and continued into 2024.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, authorities are conducting further investigations under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670). The police have recorded statements from the 15 individuals, who have since been reunited with their families. All the individuals cooperated fully during the recording of their statements, and medical examinations revealed no injuries.

Inspector-General Razarudin noted that immigration checks confirmed all victims had exited Malaysia legally through official routes. The report also highlighted that these individuals were among the 261 victims rescued from the scam syndicate and handed over to Thai authorities on February 12.