Fourteen Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in online scams have been arrested following a raid on a bungalow in Sandakan.

The men, aged between 26 and 44, were detained during an Immigration Department operation at about 11pm on Wednesday.

Sabah Immigration director Datuk Sh Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof said the suspects were believed to have entered Malaysia using social visit passes.

Initial investigations found that four had travelled through Cambodia, five arrived directly from China, while another five entered through Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Thirteen of the suspects were found to have overstayed, while one allegedly did not possess a valid immigration pass or permit.

Officers seized 75 mobile phones, 14 laptops, RM3,742 in cash and 560 Chinese yuan during the raid.

The department also confiscated tables, chairs and internet equipment believed to have been used for the suspected activities.

The suspects are being held at the Kota Kinabalu Immigration Depot for further investigations.

Thirteen are being investigated for overstaying under the Immigration Act 1959/63, while the remaining suspect faces investigation for allegedly entering or remaining in Malaysia without a valid pass or permit.

Sh Sitti Saleha said enforcement operations would be intensified to address immigration offences and the misuse of social visit passes.