Immigration Department Busts SIM Card Scalping Syndicate at KLIA
Operation Uncovered Illegal Activity at Arrival Hall
PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department conducted a special operation at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) yesterday, resulting in the arrest of a group of Bangladeshi nationals involved in a SIM card scalping syndicate.
Syndicate Targeted Tourists
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban announced that the syndicate targeted newly arrived Bangladeshi tourists, selling them SIM cards directly at the arrival hall. Preliminary investigation revealed that the sale of these SIM cards could generate up to RM1,500 to RM2,000 per day. It is believed that they have been operating for the past two months.
Seizures and Arrests
The operation led to the seizure of four Bangladeshi passports, 10 mobile phones, 121 SIM cards from various telcos, eight SIM card ejector pins, and RM1,555 in cash. The arrested individuals, aged 22 and 50, were taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Office for further investigation.
Detainees’ Status
Checks revealed that five of the detainees did not possess valid travel documents and were being detained under Section 6(3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. Two of them had overstayed and were detained under Section 15(4) of the same Act. Two others were believed to have violated the conditions of their Temporary Work Visit Pass under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Syndicate’s Modus Operandi
The syndicate registered the SIM cards under different names and sold them at RM25 each. This illegal activity was only discovered due to a public tip-off, which led to the immigration team conducting checks on the nine Bangladeshi men.
Conclusion
The Immigration Department’s swift action has brought to an end a lucrative illegal operation at the KLIA. This success demonstrates the department’s commitment to combating illegal activities and protecting the public from fraud. The arrested individuals will face further investigation and possible charges under relevant laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did the Immigration Department discover the SIM card scalping syndicate?
A: A public tip-off led to the Immigration Department conducting checks on the nine Bangladeshi men, resulting in the discovery of the illegal activity.
Q: How much money did the syndicate generate daily?
A: The sale of SIM cards could generate up to RM1,500 to RM2,000 per day.
Q: How many SIM cards were seized?
A: The operation resulted in the seizure of 121 SIM cards from various telcos.
Q: What is the current status of the arrested individuals?
A: The arrested individuals are being held at the Putrajaya Immigration Office for further investigation and possible charges under relevant laws.