KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has busted an international syndicate suspected of bribing law enforcement officers to smuggle pangolin scales, as well as engaging in money laundering.
MACC's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Division raided premises in Klang, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur yesterday under Op Jaguar.
In Klang, MACC confiscated almost two tonnes of animal scales worth about RM23.4 million.
In another raid in Kuala Lumpur, MACC seized several luxury vehicles linked to the syndicate.
"MACC has arrested seven people aged between 30 and 59, including citizens of Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal," it said in a statement.
"This operation was conducted after MACC received information from law enforcement agencies in the United States, as well as intelligence from the United Kingdom and Hong Kong," the statement added.