PUTRAJAYA: The mastermind behind the "counter setting" operations at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) smashed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) recently is among over 60 individuals arrested.
The syndicate involved Immigration Department personnel, agents and foreign nationals who were allegedly bringing in foreign workers illegally.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the mastermind, a man in his 40's, was arrested on Sept 5.
"He and several others fled when the operations began. Our investigations revealed he had influence on over 50 personnel and he was the focal person that ensured the others acted according to his instructions," he told reporters today (Sept 18).
He said based on investigations the suspect had been working as an Immigration Department officer for 20 years.
"He is also believed to be responsible for distributing bribes among the other officers," he said.
Azam said they conducted intelligence gathering for over six months before they launched several operations targetting the counter-setting syndicate working out of the airport.
"To date, we have arrested 49 Immigration Department officers, one policeman, two agents as well as eight individuals who supplied mule bank accounts.
"We have seized RM1.49 million cash, US$9,900.00 and 5,470 Thai Baht. These seizures include RM518,250 hidden in a luggage bag, that was found when a female officer was arrested in Pahang and RM248,443 hidden under a mattress when a male officer was arrested in Melaka," he said, adding that they also seized nine cars and 13 motorcycles which were believed to have been purchased with bribe money.
He said they also seized 27 pieces of gold weighing 575.75 grams worth more than RM200,000.
"We also seized 75 pieces of jewellery, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, lockets and earrings," he said.
It was previously reported that the MACC was on the hunt for an Immigration Department officer who allegedly fled after being implicated in a corruption probe linked to a syndicate that smuggled in 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.
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.
The 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 overlooked through the special counters used by the syndicate.