Immigration Raid Dismantles Major Illegal Money-Changing Syndicate: Six Bangladeshi Arrested in Unlicensed Currency Exchange Crackdown

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) has dismantled an illegal money remittance syndicate operating through the Major Illegal Money-Changing system, arresting six Bangladeshi nationals and seizing RM1.215 million (approximately USD 260,000) in a special operation in Putrajaya.

The operation, which began at 7:08 PM on Sunday, was carried out by officers from the Intelligence Division and Special Operations Unit of the Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya. It followed two weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering based on public tip-offs.

Among those detained was the alleged mastermind of the syndicate, while the remaining five were believed to be customers. The suspects are aged between 26 and 48. Initial checks revealed that one detainee possessed a valid employment pass, while the other five had no legal documents or permits to remain in Malaysia.

During the raids, enforcement officers confiscated RM1.215 million in cash suspected to be proceeds from the illegal operation, along with transaction ledgers, two mobile phones, and a Perodua Alza vehicle used by the syndicate.

Investigations indicate the syndicate operated from a luxury condominium in Putrajaya, targeting Bangladeshi nationals in the Klang Valley who wanted to remit money to their home country. The illegal operation is believed to have been active for about a year.

One suspect has been charged under Section 56(1)(d) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, while the other five face charges under Section 6(3) of the same act. All have been taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Office for further investigation. In addition, a local woman and two more Bangladeshi nationals were issued notices to assist in the probe.

The Immigration Department reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against violations of the law, affirming that strict enforcement will continue in line with the MADANI principles of integrity, justice, and public order.