Malaysian Police Dismantle Two Major Crime Syndicates in Johor Involving Sextortion and Property Break-Ins
en01.web.id – Malaysia. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have successfully dismantled two major organised crime syndicates operating in Johor, involving online sexual extortion (sextortion), human exploitation, and systematic property break-ins, following a series of coordinated law enforcement operations carried out since January 2026.
The breakthrough was officially announced by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail during a press conference held at Bukit Aman Police Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. He said the operations marked a significant step in combating organised crime networks that had caused widespread fear and financial losses among the public.
“We have successfully crippled two major crime syndicates through targeted and intelligence-driven operations in Johor. These groups were involved in serious offences, including online sextortion, labour exploitation, and organised break-ins of homes and commercial premises,” Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid said.
The first syndicate was dismantled under Operation Bugil, which targeted an online sextortion ring that had been actively operating since 2024, with its base of operations located in Johor Bahru and surrounding districts. The syndicate was led by a 23-year-old man and consisted of at least 11 members aged between 18 and 37.
According to the IGP, the syndicate used fake social media accounts posing as women to lure victims into explicit video calls. The suspects then recorded the interactions and used the footage to threaten victims, demanding money transfers in exchange for not distributing the recordings.
“Victims were intimidated with threats that the videos would be sent to their family members, employers, or contacts. Based on our investigations, the syndicate caused financial losses exceeding RM3 million nationwide,” he said.
Investigations further revealed that the same syndicate was involved in human exploitation and forced labour activities. Victims were recruited with promises of high-paying jobs but were later forced to work up to 12 hours a day, had their identity documents confiscated, and were threatened with financial penalties if they attempted to leave.
As a result of Operation Bugil, police arrested six suspects on January 15, 2026, at multiple locations across Johor. The suspects are currently being held for further investigation, while five key members of the syndicate remain at large, believed to have fled abroad.
The second syndicate was dismantled under Operation Shutter, targeting a criminal group responsible for breaking into homes and commercial premises by forcing metal shutter doors. The group had been active between 2022 and October 2025, primarily operating in Johor.
“This syndicate was linked to more than 30 cases of house and shop break-ins, with total losses exceeding RM1 million. They operated in an organised manner, targeting unoccupied properties and moving locations frequently to evade detection,” Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid said.
During the operation, police arrested two suspects aged 22 and 26 on January 24, 2026, in Johor Bahru. Four additional members were already serving prison sentences for unrelated offences. All investigation papers have since been submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers for prosecution.
The Inspector-General of Police reaffirmed that the Royal Malaysia Police would continue to take firm action against organised crime and urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly against online scams and suspicious activities.
“We will not compromise when it comes to organised crime. The police will continue to strengthen intelligence-based operations to ensure public safety, especially in Johor, which has been targeted by criminal networks,” he said.
Tim Redaksi
(rd/ks/jk)