The department’s director, Ramli Yoosuf, said the syndicate posed as a call centre and mainly targeted Japanese nationals through social media sites such as Tinder and 9monster.

Of the 21 arrested, 17 were Chinese nationals. A Malaysian, believed to be the syndicate’s runner, was also arrested. The remaining suspects were from Hong Kong, Laos and Myanmar.

The suspects are aged between 22 and 37.

Ramli said the syndicate has been operating for less than a month from a bungalow in Kuala Lumpur.

“The local suspect was released on police bail on Aug 25, while the 20 foreigners are being held under the Immigration Act,” he said in a press conference.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

In a separate raid on Aug 15, he said, the CCID arrested three Cameroonians, aged 36 to 49, on suspicion of operating a counterfeit money printing syndicate.

Police seized 4,770 fake RM100 notes and 152 fake US$100 notes.

The other items seized included nine blocks used to print the RM100 counterfeit notes, seven handphones, four passports and a car.

The suspects will be remanded for another two weeks by the immigration department.

Ramli said the case is being investigated for forging currencies.