PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is on the hunt for an Immigration Department officer who allegedly fled after being implicated in a corruption probe linked to a syndicate that smuggled foreigners through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
The officer's disappearance followed an MACC operation that resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals, including several enforcement officers at the airport.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that while the officer in question did not hold a high rank, he was believed to have had significant influence over other personnel at the airport.
"The officer fled after our operations began.
"We believe he is still in the country. Although he does not hold a senior position, his influence over others is noteworthy," he told reporters at the MACC headquarters today.
Azam said they also seized several luxury vehicles owned by Immigration Department personnel currently under investigation.
The commission will also summon 46 enforcement personnel for questioning related to the case.
On Aug 29, it was reported that 46 enforcement officers were suspected of being involved in a syndicate smuggling foreigners into the country via KLIA.
The officers allegedly used a method known as "counter setting", allowing foreigners entry through specific counters without proper inspection.
The MACC's investigation revealed that these officers were involved in bribery and collusion with other agents, enabling foreigners to enter as tourists and then disappear to work illegally without proper documentation.
On Aug 21, the MACC dismantled a syndicate responsible for smuggling foreign nationals from Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and Nepal into Malaysia through unofficial entry points.
This operation allegedly involved several enforcement officers who acted as informants, facilitating entry for these individuals without following required inspection procedures.
Foreign nationals were supposed to comply with Immigration Circular No. 4, 2021, which mandates presenting a valid passport or documentation, holding a visa, having a valid return ticket, possessing sufficient funds for their stay, and providing accommodation details.
However, these requirements were bypassed through the special counters used by the syndicate.