MACC arrests 33 over alleged bribery syndicate linked to protection of illegal immigrants
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested 33 individuals, including 10 enforcement officers, for their alleged involvement in a bribery syndicate linked to immigration offences involving foreign nationals.
The arrests stem from investigations into alleged corruption involving the entry, management and protection of foreign workers, with offences believed to have been committed between 2021 and 2026.
Among those detained were enforcement personnel, civil servants, members of the public and foreign nationals. The suspects comprise 25 men and eight women aged between their 20s and 50s.
All suspects were arrested between 10am and 8pm on Wednesday after presenting themselves to provide statements at MACC offices in Putrajaya, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.
The coordinated enforcement action was carried out through intelligence-led operations by the MACC’s Intelligence Division and state offices under four separate operations, namely Op Layer in Putrajaya, Op Dalang in Selangor, Op Raider in Negeri Sembilan and Op Genuine in Melaka.
According to a source, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were involved in a range of offences under the Immigration Act, including facilitating the stay of foreign nationals without valid travel documents and allowing the misuse of social visit passes for employment purposes.
The source said the 10 enforcement officers are suspected of accepting bribes in exchange for refraining from taking action against companies employing undocumented foreign workers, as well as facilitating the issuance of visas, permits and passes without complying with established procedures.
Investigators also uncovered alleged offences involving the submission of documents containing false information to obtain foreign worker quotas and support immigration-related applications.
The investigation follows intelligence gathering conducted since June last year, targeting 43 individuals believed to be connected to immigration-related corruption activities involving foreign workers across the four states.
Although 38 individuals were initially detained during the operations, five were subsequently released on MACC bail pending further investigations.
MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman confirmed the arrests, saying the case is being investigated under Sections 16(b)(A), 17(a), 17(b) and 18 of the MACC Act 2009.
He said further arrests have not been ruled out as investigations continue.
In Putrajaya, the Magistrate’s Court granted the MACC a five-day remand order until July 13 for six suspects.
Meanwhile, the Shah Alam Magistrate’s Court approved a four-day remand until July 12 for 14 suspects detained in Selangor.
In Negeri Sembilan, the Seremban Magistrate’s Court ordered five suspects to be remanded for four days until July 12, two suspects for five days until July 13, while another two suspects were remanded for one day.
Separately, the Ayer Keroh Magistrate’s Court in Melaka granted a seven-day remand order until July 15 for four additional suspects to facilitate further investigations.
The MACC said investigations are ongoing as it continues to identify the full extent of the alleged corruption network and those involved.
