KUCHING — Police have broken up a violent “honey trap” robbery syndicate after arresting six locals — four men and two women — in a coordinated operation carried out across the city early Thursday morning.
The arrests, made between 3.00am and 8.30am on 14 November 2025, took place at four separate locations under the jurisdiction of IPD Kuching. According to police, all suspects are believed to be directly involved in a scheme using women as bait to lure victims before the male accomplices step in to intimidate, assault and extort money.
The case came to light after a 23-year-old man lodged a report stating that he was attacked in a hotel room by two men claiming to be the husband and cousin of a woman he had met through the MiChat application. What began as a casual meet-up turned violent when the suspects stormed the room, beat him with a chair, threatened him with a knife and forced him to hand over RM500.
The ordeal did not end there. The victim also lost his car keys, identity card, debit card and mobile phone to the attackers. Police said these items were taken to pressure the victim further and prevent him from seeking immediate help.
Investigations revealed that the group relied on a familiar tactic: posing as potential companions online to earn the victim’s trust before launching a planned robbery. This “honey trap” method has been used in several cases nationwide, and authorities warn that such threats continue to evolve with the growing use of social networking and dating apps.
All six suspects have been remanded for seven days until 21 November 2025. The case is being investigated under Section 395/397 of the Penal Code, relating to gang robbery and armed robbery.
Kuching District Police urge the public to be vigilant when interacting through online dating platforms. Users are advised to avoid sharing personal details too quickly, choose public locations for first-time meetings and immediately report any suspicious or threatening behaviour.
