Human Trafficking Syndicate Busted in Kuala Lumpur
Operation Yields Successful Results
The Immigration Department has apprehended three Bangladeshi men suspected of being the masterminds behind a human trafficking syndicate operating in Kuala Lumpur. The trio was detained during a special operation conducted in Cheras, with separate raids carried out in three different locations.
Suspects Arrested and Suspected Victims Rescued
The three suspects, aged 35 to 38, as well as a 32-year-old woman of the same nationality believed to be the partner of one of the suspects, were arrested at one of the premises raided in the operation. The raids began at 9.11 pm on Wednesday (Dec 11), following intelligence gathered over two weeks. The operation also successfully rescued 11 Bangladeshi men, aged between 30 and 38, who were believed to be trafficked by the syndicate.
Modus Operandi of the Syndicate
According to Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, the syndicate’s modus operandi is to bring in Bangladeshi nationals who want to find work in this country as tourists through airports. The syndicate handles the passport, visa, and flight ticket matters. The victims will then be taken and placed in a transit house. The syndicate charges RM15,000 per person and an additional RM5,000 per person to enable the victims to leave the transit house. The syndicate has been operating for three months.
Seized Items and Charges
According to Zakaria, 17 Bangladeshi passports, 20 mobile phones, RM800 and US$800 in cash as well as two vehicles, a Proton Gen 2 and Proton X70, were also seized during the raids. The three suspects are being investigated under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, while the woman is being investigated under Section 15(4) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Conclusion
The success of this operation is a significant blow to human trafficking syndicates operating in Malaysia. The Immigration Department’s swift action has saved the lives of 11 individuals and brought to justice three suspected masterminds behind a human trafficking syndicate. This operation serves as a reminder of the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public in combating human trafficking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the modus operandi of the human trafficking syndicate?
The syndicate brought in Bangladeshi nationals who wanted to find work in Malaysia as tourists through airports, handled their passport, visa, and flight ticket matters, and charged RM15,000 per person and an additional RM5,000 per person to leave the transit house. - How many individuals were rescued during the operation?
11 Bangladeshi men, aged between 30 and 38, were rescued during the operation. - What items were seized during the raids?
17 Bangladeshi passports, 20 mobile phones, RM800 and US$800 in cash, and two vehicles, a Proton Gen 2 and Proton X70, were seized during the raids. - What charges are the suspects facing?
The three suspects are being investigated under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, while the woman is being investigated under Section 15(4) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.