27 Detained in MACC Operation Targeting “Counter Setting” Syndicate

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (VoM): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has remanded 27 individuals, including 18 enforcement officers, suspected of involvement in a “counter setting” syndicate that enabled foreigners to bypass immigration procedures.

The arrests were made during a special operation, Ops Rentas, conducted across Selangor, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, and Negri Sembilan on Tuesday (Sept 9).

Magistrates across several courts approved varying remand periods for the suspects. In Shah Alam, Magistrate Muhammad Syafiq Sulaiman ordered a three day remand until Sept 12 for 13 individuals, comprising four enforcement officers, five company owners, a company manager, and three civilians. In Ayer Keroh, Magistrate Uthman Abd Ghani granted a four-day remand for three officers and a five-day remand for two others.

In Seremban, Magistrate Sara Afiqah Zulkipli allowed an eight-officer group to be remanded for seven days until Sept 16. Meanwhile, Magistrate S. Arunjothy approved a five-day remand for another officer in Kuala Lumpur.

Sources revealed the suspects, 19 men and eight women aged between their 20s and 50s, are believed to have accepted and given bribes in exchange for facilitating the unlawful entry of foreign nationals.

During the operation, MACC seized over RM200,000 in cash, along with gold jewelry, gold bars, luxury vehicles, branded handbags, watches, and mobile devices. Additionally, 40 bank accounts, including 34 personal and six company accounts holding more than RM1 million, have been frozen.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the arrests, stating the case is being investigated under Sections 16 and 17 of the MACC Act 2009.

To date, a total of 30 suspects have been detained in connection with the syndicate.