KUALA LUMPUR: There have been 218 Malaysians detained for suspected involvement in fraud syndicates as "money mules" in Taiwan, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic).
He said that according to the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre (MFTC) in Taipei, as of July 9, a total of 165 are awaiting trial, while 53 others have been jailed for between six months and a year.
“This group typically receives enticing job offers or 'work and travel' packages in Taiwan through social media, including promised salaries of up to RM10,000 per month.
“However, upon arrival in Taiwan, their passports and mobile phones are confiscated,” he said in a parliamentary written reply to Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan).
Sh Mohmed Puzi asked the ministry to provide updates on reports of Malaysians detained in Taiwan for links to financial scam syndicates.
Mohamad said the mules were tasked with collecting money from fraud victims at specific locations, or withdrawing money from ATMs using cards provided by the syndicate.
"They would then hand over the money to the syndicate.
“This activity constitutes a fraud offence under Taiwanese laws, which can result in imprisonment and fines,” he added.
He also said his ministry has launched an awareness campaign in collaboration with the Communications Ministry and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.
“Through MFTC, the ministry also holds discussions with Taiwanese authorities to address this issue.
“This initiative covers not only financial fraud but also acting as drug mules, gold smuggling and job scams.
"It aims to proactively reduce the involvement of Malaysian citizens in criminal activities abroad,” he said, reminding Malaysians to remain vigilant when overseas.
