MALAYSIA (TR) – The Embassy of Japan here on Saturday announced that 14 Japanese nationals have been detained by authorities on suspicion of involvement in a fraud ring.
The ring operated what is referred to as tokushu sagi, meaning specialized fraud. Perpetrators of this crime target a victim over the telephone and impersonate an authority figure or relative to defraud money from them.
According to Malaysian investigative authorities, the 14 Japanese men and women were detained on the northwestern resort island of Penang on November 20 on suspicion of involvement in specialized fraud. Authorities contacted the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang that same day.
Four other Chinese nationals were also detained at the group’s base.
A representative of the embassy stated, “We will work with local authorities to confirm the details and respond appropriately.”
A series of crackdowns on Japanese groups involved in specialized fraud have been taking place in various parts of Southeast Asia, including Cambodia and Myanmar.
In August, authorities detained four Japanese nationals on suspicion of involvement in specialized fraud. They were later arrested.
Meanwhile, a total of 23 Japanese nationals who were detained in May and September have been released.
