The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has been a double-edged sword, offering remarkable advancements while simultaneously enabling a new breed of criminal activity. Recent comprehensive reports from the Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS) and EUROPOL highlight the growing threat of AI-enabled crime worldwide.
For Malaysia, these developments
are more than just distant concerns as they represent a pressing and immediate
challenge that demands attention.
The CETaS report, “AI and
Serious Online Crime” (March 2025), paints a stark picture of how criminals
are harnessing AI to automate, enhance, and scale illegal activities. Fraud,
phishing, the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM),
romance scams, and other cybercrimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated
due to AI’s capabilities.
These tools can generate deepfake
videos, synthesize convincing voices, and create fake identities at a speed and
scale previously unimaginable. This technological leap empowers criminals to
exploit human psychology more effectively, fooling victims with synthetic
content that appears real.
EUROPOL’s Internet Organised
Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA) 2025 corroborates these findings, highlighting
AI as a critical enabler of organized crime across Europe and beyond. The
report emphasizes that AI is increasingly employed in financial fraud and the
distribution of illicit materials like CSAM.
One of the major concerns raised
is the difficulty law enforcement faces in keeping pace with these rapidly
evolving technologies. AI-driven crimes are not confined by geography,
complicating jurisdictional efforts and requiring international cooperation.
Malaysia is not immune to these
global trends. In fact, recent statistics indicate the country is increasingly
targeted by AI-facilitated crimes.
The Malaysian Communications and
Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reported over 35,000 online scam cases in 2024
alone, with total losses exceeding RM1.58 billion. While not every case
involves AI, the growing sophistication of these scams strongly suggests that
AI technologies are being leveraged.
For example, deepfake videos
featuring local public figures have been circulated to promote fraudulent
investment schemes. These videos’ realistic appearance and authentic-sounding
voices make it difficult for the public to discern fact from fabrication,
leading to substantial financial losses and an erosion of public trust in
digital content.
Another troubling development is
the use of AI-generated voice cloning in scams. Victims receive phone calls
from what sounds like a trusted family member or close acquaintance, only to be
deceived into transferring money or revealing sensitive information.
In some cases, AI-driven chatbots
simulate ongoing conversations, luring victims into elaborate investment
schemes or romance scams. The scale and speed at which these AI-powered frauds
operate overwhelm traditional detection methods, leaving many victims
vulnerable.
Law enforcement agencies in
Malaysia, such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the MCMC, have made
strides in addressing cybercrime. However, both the CETaS and EUROPOL reports
underscore a significant challenge: the pace of AI technological advancement
outstrips the ability of many law enforcement bodies to adapt and respond
effectively.
Specialized knowledge, tools, and
frameworks are urgently needed, but resource constraints and a lack of
AI-specific training mean that Malaysian agencies risk falling behind criminals
who use these same technologies to their advantage.
To effectively tackle the growing
threat of AI-enabled crime, Malaysia must take several strategic steps.
First and foremost, the
establishment of a dedicated national AI Crime Taskforce is essential. This
taskforce would bring together cybersecurity experts, AI technologists,
financial crime investigators, and legal professionals to focus exclusively on
AI-related criminal activity. Such a specialized unit would be responsible for
staying ahead of emerging AI threats, coordinating investigations, and
collaborating with international counterparts to tackle cross-border crimes.
Secondly, law enforcement
agencies must invest in comprehensive training programs to equip officers with
the necessary skills to understand, identify, and counter AI-enabled crimes.
Familiarity with AI tools and the ability to detect AI-generated content such
as deepfakes or voice clones are critical. This training should also extend to
the legal community, ensuring that prosecutors and judges are well-versed in
the complexities of AI-related evidence and the unique challenges these cases
present.
Alongside personnel development,
Malaysia must bolster its cybersecurity infrastructure. Robust frameworks and
AI-driven security solutions are needed to safeguard critical systems and data
from AI-powered cyberattacks. Regular audits and vulnerability assessments
should be institutionalized to ensure resilience against evolving threats.
Public education plays a pivotal
role in this fight. Many Malaysians, especially the elderly and less digitally
literate, remain vulnerable to AI-driven scams because they are unaware of how
realistic and deceptive AI content can be. Nationwide awareness campaigns that
educate citizens on how to identify deepfakes, suspicious communications, and
phishing attempts can serve as the first line of defense, reducing
victimization.
Finally, international
collaboration is indispensable. AI crime, by its very nature, transcends
borders, requiring coordinated responses among countries. Malaysia must
strengthen its partnerships with international law enforcement bodies such as
EUROPOL and INTERPOL. Sharing intelligence, best practices, and technological
resources will enhance Malaysia’s capability to respond to AI-driven threats
and disrupt global crime networks.
The stakes are high. The
integration of AI into criminal activity threatens not just individual victims
but the fabric of trust that underpins digital interactions and commerce.
Without decisive and coordinated action, Malaysia risks becoming a playground
for AI-powered fraudsters and scammers, undermining the country’s digital
economy and public confidence.
Yet, this challenge is not
insurmountable. The insights from the CETaS and EUROPOL reports provide a
valuable roadmap for Malaysia. By acting swiftly to establish dedicated AI
crime units, upgrading law enforcement capabilities, investing in public awareness,
and enhancing international cooperation, Malaysia can turn the tide against
AI-enabled crime.
In a nutshell, AI is a technology
that can be used as a tool for either good or harm. Malaysia’s future in the
digital age hinges on how it navigates this new frontier. The time to prepare,
adapt, and respond to AI-driven crime is now. By doing so, Malaysia can
safeguard its citizens, protect its digital economy, and foster a secure environment
where innovation thrives without exploitation.
Kuala Lumpur,
29.9.2025
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https://www.malaysiakini.com/columns/756749
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