A coordinated anti-corruption sweep across four states has led to the arrest of 38 people and the seizure of luxury cars, gold jewellery, and hundreds of thousands in cash as Malaysia’s graft busters move against a syndicate accused of exploiting the country’s immigration system.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) carried out the integrated operation on 8 JULY through four simultaneous raids codenamed Op Layer in Putrajaya, Op Dalang in Selangor, Op Raider in Negeri Sembilan and Op Genuine in Melaka. Of the 38 individuals arrested, 33 were remanded to assist investigations, according to The Star.
Those detained include enforcement officers, civil servants, members of the public and foreign nationals suspected of committing offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63. The suspected crimes involve foreign nationals staying in Malaysia without valid travel documents and the misuse of social visit passes for employment, as reported by the New Straits Times.
The operation also targeted the syndicate’s finances. MACC froze 14 bank accounts, five belonging to companies and nine personal accounts held by several individuals, containing an estimated RM1.1 million, according to Malay Mail.
Investigators simultaneously seized assets valued at approximately RM2.5 million. Among the items confiscated were RM393,150 in cash and 18 million Indonesian rupiah (RM4,050). Ten luxury cars and three motorcycles, estimated to be worth about RM1.8 million, were also seized.
The haul extended to personal luxury items: 14 pieces of gold weighing one gram each valued at RM8,300, 80 pieces of jewellery including bracelets and rings worth around RM118,500, three watches valued at RM42,200, a luxury handbag worth RM9,000 and 17 mobile phones valued at approximately RM48,000.
“To date, nine investigation papers have been opened. Through the integrated operation conducted in four states, MACC has carried out seizures and frozen the accounts of the companies and individuals involved,” a source said.
The investigation continued to expand after the initial raids. MACC detained an additional enforcement officer at its headquarters in Putrajaya to assist with the probe. The officer has since been released on MACC bail.
MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman confirmed the operation and said the case is being investigated under Sections 16(b)(A), 17(a), 17(b) and 18 of the MACC Act 2009.
