12 Malaysian Police Officers Arrested for Allegedly Robbing Chinese National of Rp795 Million in Crypto Assets

Twelve members of the Malaysian police force have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in a group robbery worth approximately RM200,000, or around US$51,000 (Rp795.6 million), in cryptocurrency, following a raid on a bungalow in early February.

The arrests were made after a 31-year-old Chinese national who identified himself as a market surveyor reported the incident to police.

According to a report by the New Straits Times (NST) on Thursday, 19 February 2026, all occupants of the raided house were Chinese nationals. They were in Malaysia at the invitation of a local company to attend business discussions.

The victims’ lawyer, who wished to be identified only as Charles, said his clients entered Malaysia between 27 and 30 January, with most visiting the country for the first time.

Of the 12 officers detained, four were from the federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department. The group comprised one assistant superintendent, one inspector, one sergeant, six corporals, two lance corporals, and one constable. The suspects ranged in age from 24 to 47.

According to NST sources, the raid was conducted at approximately 11pm on 5 February by the district commercial crime unit. The officers claimed to be carrying out an anti-fraud operation codenamed “Operation Taring” and suspected the occupants of involvement in online fraud activities linked to Cambodian syndicates.

However, after examining electronic devices and passports, no evidence of criminal activity was found. The source also noted there were no records of the victims having travelled to Cambodia.

The group of Chinese nationals stated they were market surveyors working for a China-based company. Nevertheless, they were allegedly threatened with arrest and immigration action unless they paid RM400,000 to the officers.

Fearing for their safety, one of the victims contacted their superior in China. The suspects then allegedly agreed to a payment of approximately US$50,000 in Tether cryptocurrency, which was transferred to a digital wallet provided by the officers.

The payment was made in the early hours of the morning, and after the transaction was confirmed, the officers left the premises. Before departing, they allegedly warned the occupants to vacate the house within two days or face further action.