KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has identified more than 100 companies involved in the "flying container" syndicate, which has been active and operating for more than a decade in Port Klang.
Its chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, said these companies acted as "forwarding agents," serving as intermediaries for the payment of bribes to rogue customs officers.
The MACC, he said, uncovered the matter following the arrest of 34 customs officers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport during Op Samba 2.0 and 11 officers at Port Klang during a recent operation.
"We (MACC) are also investigating the finances of these companies, especially the so-called 'forwarding agents'.
"We have also roped in the Customs Department and the Inland Revenue Board since the investigation includes the financial aspects (of the syndicate).
"This process, however, will take some time. We are also using a different approach in investigating these companies compared to the investigation conducted on the officers," Azam told reporters during his visit to Balai Berita today.
It was reported yesterday that the MACC has arrested 17 people including 11 customs officers to facilitate its investigation into the "flying container" case, which resulted in RM3.5 billion in tax leakages.
Sources said the MACC has, to date, seized RM4.4 million in cash, believed to be obtained from the proceeds of corruption by the customs officers suspected to be involved in the case.
The 'flying container' case came to light following the arrest of seven individuals, including customs personnel last week for suspected collusion with a smuggling syndicate in Port Klang that resulted in tax leakages valued at around RM3.5 billion.
A total of 19 containers with various imported products were seized during the operation conducted by the MACC and the Customs Department on June 12.