KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission suspects 46 enforcement officers are involved in a syndicate smuggling foreigners into the country through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the officers used a tactic called "counter setting", where foreigners are given entry through specific counters without proper inspection.
He said MACC had received statements indicating bribery and collaboration with other agents to allow foreigners to easily enter as tourists, only to "disappear" and begin working here without proper documentation.
"Today, the MACC launched Op Setting, following the sharing of intelligence between agencies, and have arrested 13 individuals, including two enforcement officers at KLIA, believed to be involved in corruption connected to the syndicate using the same modus operandi," Azam said.
All the suspects, are men aged between 20 and 50, were arrested today around the Klang Valley and have been taken to MACC's office in Kuala Lumpur to assist with the investigation.
"The two enforcement officers are believed to have been involved in this activity since 2016, receiving bribes ranging from RM300 to RM2,500 per foreign national admitted, depending on their nationality.
"Also arrested were nine agents and two proxies who acted as asset holders on behalf of the enforcement officers," said Azam.
He said the raids also led to the seizure of approximately RM50,000 in cash.
The case is being investigated under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009, and the suspects will be brought to the Kuala Lumpur magistrate's court tomorrow for a remand application.
Yesterday, a Myanmar man believed to be an agent for a syndicate smuggling foreigners was charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court under Section 16(b)(B) of the MACC Act 2009 for paying a bribe of RM5,650 to an Immigration officer.
The bribe was given as a reward for facilitating the entry of nine Myanmar nationals through KLIA Terminal 2 without following procedures.