NHK and Malaysia's Oriental Daily reported that on the evening of November 22, the Japanese embassy in Malaysia stated that Malaysian police had detained 14 Japanese citizens in Penang state, who are suspected of being involved in international fraud activities.
The Japanese consulate general in Penang stated that they became aware of the incident on the evening of the 20th, and are currently verifying the relevant details. The location where the incident occurred is considered a base for international fraud by Malaysian police. The Japanese embassy said it will closely cooperate with the Penang police to clarify the facts.
Penang police stated that they plan to hold a press conference next week to announce the details of the case after completing further investigations.
In addition, seven other Japanese men were arrested in Kuala Lumpur on the 18th of this month, aged between 23 and 41. According to reports, the case was exposed by a Japanese man who mistakenly joined a fraud group. After coming to Malaysia, he noticed something suspicious and proactively reported to the Japanese embassy. Police then took action.
Members of these fraud groups are suspected of impersonating bank staff, calling from Malaysia to Japan, falsely claiming that victims' accounts have problems and luring them to transfer money. Police seized 11 mobile phones and tools such as hammers during the operation, and stated that all arrested individuals will be deported to Japan after the investigation is completed and will be prosecuted according to law.
Whether the cases in Penang and Kuala Lumpur are related remains to be explained by the police.
The report mentioned that in May this year, Malaysian police also detained 13 Japanese citizens suspected of participating in fraud activities. Recently, countries such as Cambodia and Myanmar in Southeast Asia have also detained some Japanese citizens for similar reasons.
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