JOHOR BARU: Foreigners who were duped by a job scam syndicate known as Gang Bala, were held captive and forced into prostitution, say police.
Johor police chief commissioner M. Kumar said syndicate members deceived the victims with promises of employment, as factory operators and domestic helpers.
He said employment agents were used to bring in the victims, who were all provided with flight tickets and visit passes.
However, upon arrival, they were told that they had entered the country as tourists and were provided with "show money" before being transported to transit houses, he said.
"Once en route, the victims' passports and mobile phones are confiscated, and they are coerced into prostitution. They are also charged with exorbitant fees of up to RM11,000, for 'expenses' incurred," added Kumar.
The victims, aged 22 to 49, were forced to have sex with up to 35 clients a day, with payments ranging from RM100 to RM200 per encounter. Overnight stays commanded a fee of RM300.
Kumar said police were alerted to the syndicate's activities in November, last year.
He said eight members of the notorious gang – four locals and four foreigners – were arrested in a series of raids in the city here, and in Kulai, between April 21 and May 1.
Among the items seized from the syndicate members were mobile phones, condoms, foreign passports, cash, client records, and a multi-purpose vehicle, said Kumar.
"All victims have been relocated to shelters. The suspects are awaiting legal proceedings in the Johor Baru Sessions, and magistrates courts," he added.