Three Malaysian students reported missing in Taiwan have since been found to be detained by authorities.
According to the Federation of Alumni Associations of Taiwan Universities Malaysia President Pang King Hoe, the three cases occurred within a span of just three months.
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The students were held for working as scam runners
Pang said the students’ parents first reached out to the association after they couldn’t get in touch with their children studying in Taiwan, according to Malaysia Gazette.
Acting on the information, available resources were used to track down the students, who were eventually found at a police station for their involvement in scam activities.
“All of the students were detained for acting as ‘runners’ for scam syndicates, with one expected to face charges. While many Malaysians have been arrested in Taiwan for scams in the past, we never expected students to be involved as well,” he said.
He added that it’s still unclear whether the students were tricked into joining the scams or influenced by their peers.
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“We need to protect their rights if they’re fraud victims”
Pang stressed the need to find out whether the students actually broke the law and if their status as foreign students could be affected.
“If they were themselves victims of fraud, we also need to see if we can help protect their rights,” he added.
The Federation of Alumni Associations of Taiwan Universities Malaysia has warned students not to fall for job offers that promise high pay, flexible hours, or cash payments.
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He explained that scam syndicates often recruit people to receive packages, transfer money, or “lend” their bank accounts.
“Don’t think being a runner is harmless, any involvement in illegal activity can lead to a criminal record and hurt your chances of studying or staying in Taiwan.”
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