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Perak police have dismantled a cryptocurrency scam call centre based in a Bagan Datuk homestay that targeted victims across Europe, with a specific focus on Italian citizens
During a raid conducted at about 1am on 7 April, authorities arrested 22 Chinese nationals, comprising 19 men and three women aged between 22 and 40, according to the New Straits Times.
Perak police chief Commissioner Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said during a press conference today that the operation also resulted in the seizure of 35 mobile phones, nine laptops, and various networking tools valued at roughly RM95,000.
Investigations by social media analysts from the Commercial Crime Investigation Department identified the syndicate's fraudulent platform as Pyxora Labs
The Malay Mail reported that the group allegedly contacted potential investors through messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram, persuading interested individuals to join a fictitious investment scheme.
Victims were subsequently directed to make payments in Tether (USDT) — a type of cryptocurrency — via the Pyxora Labs website or application.
While Pyxora Labs is technically a broader ecosystem designed for quantitative finance and decentralised AI services, the syndicate used the platform's name to facilitate investment fraud.
The syndicate is believed to have been operating since early February, and while all 22 suspects entered Malaysia with valid travel documents, police are currently verifying their arrival details with the Immigration Department
All suspects have been remanded until 10 April to assist with the ongoing probe, as authorities investigate whether local handlers or suspects were involved in managing the syndicate's operations within the country.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 and Section 120B of the Penal Code for cheating and criminal conspiracy, which carry penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment, whipping, and potential fines.
