Bangladeshi ‘Badul’ Syndicate Busted for Illegal Migrant Labor Supply and Human Exploitation, 9 Detained

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Immigration Department (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia, JIM) has carried out a major armed operation targeting a syndicate run by Bangladeshi agent Md Amran, also known as ‘Badul.’’ The syndicate was involved in worker exploitation, supplying illegal foreign labor, and committing quota fraud.

The operation, conducted under Ops Serkap, took place yesterday at a commercial premise on Jalan Desa Pandan, Kuala Lumpur. Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shabaan confirmed that nine individuals aged between 26 and 61 were arrested. Among them were eight Bangladeshi men and one Indonesian woman. Additionally, two local employees were detained to assist in the investigation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate used foreign labor quotas without government approval, selling, transferring, and distributing them to third parties. Each application reportedly required fees ranging from RM3,000 to RM8,000, reflecting evidence of organized exploitation for profit. The syndicate is estimated to have earned around RM1 million annually.

The investigation also found that the syndicate used forged leave letters to protect foreign workers from detection during operations. Workers were released on bail after paying fees, and their work permits and visas were renewed without authorization.

During the raid, authorities seized 497 foreign worker identity cards, 38 CIDB cards, approximately RM13,000 in cash, and other documents and equipment. All foreign workers were placed at the Putrajaya Immigration Depot. They are now under investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.

Datuk Zakaria said, “Those who employ or assist illegal workers will face strict action. This operation plays a vital role in safeguarding national security, public order, and sovereignty.”