Malaysia's police chief has confirmed that 130 Malaysians are being held in Pakistan after a raid on a suspected scam call centre in Rawalpindi. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said Malaysian police are working with Pakistani authorities through the Foreign Ministry to obtain full details of the detentions.

The case has been referred to Bukit Aman's Commercial Crime Investigation Department, and an investigative team may be sent to Pakistan to monitor the inquiry. The police chief said full profiles of those detained have not yet been received, but all 130 are confirmed as Malaysian passport holders from various backgrounds. Some held valid visas, he said, while others had overstayed.

What the raid allegedly uncovered

Pakistani media reported that Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency raided premises at KASA Tower in Bahria Town Phase VIII, Rawalpindi, after obtaining a court warrant. The operation is said to have uncovered a scheme targeting victims in Malaysia, in which callers posed as bank customer-service officers and as police officers.

Victims were allegedly told their accounts showed suspicious transactions or links to money laundering. Proceeds were allegedly moved through e-wallets and then converted into cryptocurrency. Reports say the operation was allegedly directed by a Malaysian operating from Cambodia, working with supervisors and managers in Pakistan. Those claims remain allegations, and the investigation is continuing.

What happens next

The suspects are being investigated under Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, as amended in 2025, together with Penal Code provisions covering extortion, impersonation, fraud and abetment. The total losses suffered by victims, the number of confirmed victims and the value of any money seized have not yet been disclosed.

For families in Malaysia, the immediate questions are consular access, legal representation and the progress of the Pakistani investigation.