BENTONG: Malaysians, Vietnamese and Indians are duped to work for scammers in Taiwan, according to Ady Hu who has been arrested and detained in Taiwan.

About four to five people have so far been arrested by the Taiwanese police for working as runners for racketeers.

In a 30-minute video call with his parents in Bentong, Pahang, Hu told his parents that those arrested were detained by the police in Taiwan.

The video call with his parents was organised by Lee Chin Chen, deputy speaker of the Pahang state legislative assembly and Bilut state assemblyman, with Taiwanese authorities.

Hu, 31, an internet celebrity in Malaysia, told his parents he was attracted by a post on Facebook offering one to work and visit Taiwan at the same time.

“I have never thought that I would be duped to work as a runner for scammers,” he said.

Hu also told Lee he did not know the nature of the job offered, and that it was too late when he realised.

His passport and mobile phone were kept by the syndicate and he was told to collect money with another work phone given to him.

Hu told his parents that he was detained with seven other people in a cell which could accommodate up to nine people.

“I am fine here and we look after one another,” he said, adding that he was looking forward to returning home soon.

Hu is currently being held in Changhua County for two months until 11 February.

He will be released later but not allowed to leave Taiwan until a court decides on his case.

Hu was arrested by the police in Changhua County for alleged fraud while the family sought help from Lee to look for him after they failed to reach him by phone.

Hu’s father lodged a missing-person report with the police in Bentong on 16 December.

Hu, who sells products on Facebook live and lives in Kuala Lumpur, was arrested by the police in Changhua County for allegedly working as a runner for scammers to collect money from investors.