KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 10 -- Police have dismantled an organised crime syndicate behind a nationwide online sexual extortion scheme, or "sextortion", believed to have caused losses exceeding RM3 million since it began operating in 2024.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the syndicate was brought down under Op Bugil, an operation led by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) through the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID), with cooperation from the Johor Contingent CID.

"The syndicate was led by a 23-year-old local man and comprised 11 individuals aged between 18 and 37," he said at a press conference at Bukit Aman today.

Mohd Khalid said enforcement action was carried out during an integrated operation...