Sharp, essential news and analysis from Malaysia.
Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has intercepted more than 300 drug cases in seven months, averaging two daily. Recent arrests of Malaysian nationals have intensified focus on how regional aviation hubs are exploited by smuggling syndicates.
Indonesia and Thailand have committed to advancing ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar while forging a stronger security partnership to combat transnational crimes, including online scams and human trafficking.
Malaysian police have apprehended a Chinese national as part of their investigation into an extortion case centred in the Cheras area of Kuala Lumpur, marking another incident in the rising tide of transnational crime.
Bukit Aman will partner with Indonesian police in investigating a Malaysian pilot arrested in Indonesia on allegations of attempting to smuggle drugs into the country.
Malaysian authorities have charged 159 Chinese nationals in connection with a massive fraud scheme linked to the Forest City property development, with charges also laid for illegal entry into the country.
A foreign national at the centre of a major extortion case involving a dozen Kuala Lumpur police officers has been arrested on passport-related charges, along with two female accomplices from Thailand and China.
Thai police have raided a luxury hotel in Nonthaburi province, uncovering what they describe as a sophisticated underground operation involving illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and sex services allegedly targeting Chinese clientele.
Singapore Police Force and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation have formalized expanded cooperation to tackle online scams and cyber-enabled fraud, reflecting a deepening partnership against transnational criminal networks.
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet has committed to intensifying enforcement against online scam networks, revealing that authorities have dismantled over 670 illegal operations while strengthening cooperation with international partners including the FBI.
Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province has dismantled more than 200 online scam operations and deported tens of thousands of foreign suspects over seven months, yet authorities concede Poipet town remains a persistent problem area.
FBI Director Kash Patel has pledged enhanced cooperation with Cambodia to combat transnational cybercrime syndicates, as the UN warns that scam losses across the Asia-Pacific region could reach $114 billion annually by 2025.
Malaysian police have documented 180 nationals detained overseas for alleged drug mule activities since 2024, with perpetrators exploiting economic hardship through false employment offers.
An Indian national will stand trial in Ho Chi Minh City later this month for allegedly smuggling nearly 1,500 diamonds into Vietnam across five separate trips, in a case that also involves bribery and fraud charges against multiple co-defendants.
North Sumatra police have arrested seven foreign nationals and 31 Indonesians suspected of orchestrating an international online dating scam ring. The syndicate targeted victims through fake profiles on social media platforms.
Thai customs and police arrested a 30-year-old Russian man at Phuket International Airport after discovering 17.6 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed in two suitcases as he prepared to depart Thailand.
Thai authorities are probing a flight attendant arrested with 900 grammes of heroin in Australia, believing she may be a victim of a transnational scam network connected to Golden Triangle drug syndicates. She remains a detainee rather than an accused person.
Thai narcotics authorities have confirmed approximately 900g of heroin was discovered in luggage belonging to a Thai airline crew member arrested by Australian authorities. The drug was concealed within the fabric of just two bags from a shipment of twelve, revealing a sophisticated smuggling operation.