From Dream Job To Jail: How A 23-Year-Old Malaysian Ended Up Behind Bars In Japan Since November

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A 23-year-old Malaysian who left for Japan last November, claiming a job opportunity, has been detained at the Toyamanishi Police Station on suspicion of involvement in an online fraud syndicate

Muhammad Faiq Zafran Mohd Jailani, from Manir in Terengganu, reportedly left Malaysia on 8 November, 2025, informing his family he was heading to Kuala Lumpur for work. Relatives later learned through his friends that he had flown to Tokyo.

His mother, Noor Zuhaini Ismail, told the New Straits Times she last spoke with her son on 18 November via Snapchat and WhatsApp.

"He was supposed to return to Malaysia on 29 November, but he never came back as promised," Noor Zuhaini said at a press conference organised by the Malaysian Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) last month.

A police report was lodged on 30 November, and the matter was referred to Wisma Putra on 8 December last year. Noor Zuhaini added that she had contacted his son's friend, who offered the job, but received little update until January this year.

"Only [on the morning of 23 January] did he message me again, saying my son was detained and referred to the Minami police station in Japan," she said.

Noor Zuhaini said Faiq did not previously hold a passport, and all travel arrangements were handled by the party offering him the job

The supposed purpose was a "site visit" and to submit a report, but she was unclear on the details, according to the English daily.

MHO secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim said preliminary information from Japanese media suggested Faiq was detained in connection with a scam operation involving fake phone calls, with about 4 million yen (roughly RM125,000) seized in his possession.

"If it is true that he is involved, he would certainly have a [criminal] record in Malaysia. I believe that he is a victim of human trafficking who was exploited by an online scam syndicate and eventually detained," Hishamuddin said, adding that the organisation respects Japan's legal system and will assist Faiq as needed.

Earlier this month, a special mission was sent to Japan, including Manir state assemblyman Hilmi Harun and Hishamuddin

Faiq's father, Mohd Jailani Ambak, said that he was informed that his son is in good physical health but suffers from severe anxiety and sleep deprivation due to uncertainty over his situation, reported Bernama.

"As a father, my worries have eased somewhat after being informed that Faiq is in good health, although he has not been getting enough sleep," the 52-year-old said, noting that meetings with his son require an English interpreter.

Efforts are underway to secure a Japanese defence lawyer familiar with fraud syndicate cases, to prove Faiq was coerced rather than a willing participant.

Japan's legal system is stringent regarding organised fraud.

Carrying large sums of cash linked to phone scams is considered a serious offence, often resulting in years of imprisonment.

Hishamuddin said the case is still in the early stages and called on the Malaysian and Japanese authorities, including the Japanese Embassy, to assist in resolving the situation.