‘Geng Ashraf’ Busted: Immigration Cripples RM2.4 Million Migrant Smuggling Network in Ampang
PUTRAJAYA — The Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia has taken down a migrant smuggling syndicate known as “Geng Ashraf” following a raid in Ampang, with authorities estimating the group earned about RM2.4 million since it began operations in early 2025.
Director-general Zakaria Shaaban said the syndicate relied on third-country transit routes before smuggling foreign nationals into Malaysia through entry points in Kelantan.
Once inside the country, the migrants were transported to the Klang Valley and distributed to various locations under the syndicate’s network.
“The group charged as much as RM8,000 per migrant, enabling it to generate substantial profits within a relatively short time frame,” he said.
In the early morning operation, enforcement officers raided a house used as a transit hub and arrested 27 Bangladeshi men believed to have been smuggled into the country.
Preliminary findings indicate that the migrants had entered a neighbouring country just days prior before being brought into Malaysia.
Authorities also detained three Bangladeshi nationals suspected of acting as coordinators and guards for the transit operation.
All detainees, aged between 20 and 49, have been placed at the Putrajaya Immigration Depot as investigations proceed under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670).
Zakaria Shaaban stressed that firm enforcement action will be taken against violations of immigration laws, including the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, and Immigration Regulations 1963.
The operation underscores authorities’ continued efforts to dismantle organised migrant smuggling networks and safeguard national borders.
-wilayah.com.my
