Scam raids of Malaysia’s Forest City prompt governance questions

The raids spotlight how organised crime has evolved and expanded operations by exploiting mixed-use developments, analysts say

The raids have sharpened questions over whether oversight is keeping pace with Putrajaya’s drive to revive the waterfront project beside Singapore.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 58, were found in 27 flats and five bungalows allegedly used to run bogus cryptocurrency investment and romance scams, as well as schemes impersonating law firms, targeting victims overseas.

Police were working with Interpol to trace the alleged masterminds, English-daily The Star reported, quoting Ab Rahaman. He said the flats had been booked under a company name and the bungalows under individual names, while some suspects had previously worked at scam centres overseas.

Forest City is Malaysia’s first special financial zone and sits within the wider Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone framework. The government is offering tax incentives and a dedicated visa track to attract family offices and high-value workers.