Malaysians Rescued from Job Scam Syndicate in Myanmar
Recent Rescue Efforts
On March 12, 2025, 25 Malaysians who were victims of a job scam syndicate were repatriated via Mae Sot, Tak province, northern Thailand, after being handed over by Myanmar authorities to the Malaysian embassy through Thai authorities.
Investigation and Arrests
Police have detained one of the 25 Malaysians rescued from a job scam syndicate in Myanmar on March 12 on suspicion that had played a key role in recruiting locals to profit from scamming. The suspected recruiter would be remanded for seven days until March 20 for further investigation.
Genuine Victims Identified
Bukit Aman deputy director (intelligence/operations) of the criminal investigation department Fadil Marsus said out of the 25 rescued, only six individuals were believed to be genuine victims. The genuine victims have been granted an interim protection order for 21 days, he said at a press conference at Bukit Aman.
Investigation under Atipsom Act
Police have opened five investigation papers under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Atipsom) (Act 670), involving police contingents from Kuala Lumpur and Johor.
Overseas Job Scams
Meanwhile, 489 police reports have been received from January 1, 2021, till March 13 this year, involving 637 people comprising 517 men and 120 women, being victims of overseas job scams, including in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. They were aged between 22 and 39. Out of the total, 504 were rescued, while 133 remain stranded abroad.
Victim Profiles
Investigations found that 83% of the victims had an educational background only up to the MCE level. They received the job offers through Facebook, Telegram, and WeChat, followed by invitations from friends or family. A study by police found that not all individuals rescued from human trafficking syndicates meet the definition of victims under the Atipsom Act.
Conclusions and Statistics
70% of the victims were aware of the types of jobs offered before arriving at their destination, including that the jobs were related to criminal activities, such as scamming and gambling, indicating that they were not entirely deceived but feigned innocence after rescue. Fadil stated that from 2022 until now, the Atipsom division D3 had successfully dismantled six syndicates recruiting Malaysians for such jobs.
Public Advisory
Fadil advised the public to always be cautious of overseas job offers made through social media as they often promise lucrative salaries and benefits to lure prospective victims. The victims had complained their freedom was curtailed and they were made to work for long hours without being paid properly.
FAQs
Q: How many Malaysians were rescued from a job scam syndicate in Myanmar?
A: 25 Malaysians were rescued on March 12, 2025.
Q: How many of the rescued individuals are believed to be genuine victims?
A: Six individuals are believed to be genuine victims.
Q: How many police reports have been received regarding overseas job scams?
A: 489 police reports have been received from January 1, 2021, till March 13 this year.
Q: How many individuals remain stranded abroad?
A: 133 individuals remain stranded abroad.