KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's visa exemption policy is among the factors why the international scam syndicates set up shop here, says Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
"It (the policy) makes it easier for foreign criminals to operate in the country," he said at a press conference here on Friday (May 15).
He was responding to a question on why international scam syndicates frequently use Malaysia as a transit hub or operational base. However, he did not elaborate further.
Mohd Khalid said police are working closely with the Immigration Department and other enforcement agencies to monitor the entry of foreigners and tourists.
Earlier, he revealed that 187 foreign nationals and locals suspected of involvement in international online scam syndicates were arrested in raids under Ops Teguh 2.0 conducted on May 6 and 7.
The operation targeted call centre activities, investment scams, financial fraud and cross-border commercial crimes involving both local and foreign victims.
Chinese nationals made up the highest number of arrests at 129, followed by 23 Malaysians.
