PUTRAJAYA: Nearly RM800,000 in cash was found in the bedrooms of two Immigration Department officers who were caught for their involvement in counter setting.
Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said RM518,250 was found hidden in luggage when they raided the home of a female Immigration Department officer in Pahang.
"We also found RM248,443 hidden under a mattress when we raided the home of a male officer who was arrested in Melaka," he told reporters today (Wednesday).
He said the cash found in these two instances were part of the RM1.49 million, US$9,900.00 and 5,470 Thai Baht that has been seized throughout their operations to date.
"We also seized nine cars and 13 motorcycles which were believed to have been purchased with bribe money as well as 27 pieces of gold weighing 575.75 g worth more than RM200,000.
"Also seized was 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.