Vape Smuggling Syndicate Crippled at Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Probing Operation Yields Staggering Tax Loss
Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has crippled a vape smuggling syndicate operating at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Cargo Centre, resulting in an estimated RM8 million tax loss to the country’s coffers.
Operation Details
The graft-busters’ probe through Op Airways led to the arrest of 14 individuals, including six customs officers, suspected of colluding in illegal activities.
Operation Timeline
- Raids were conducted around KLIA and Putrajaya yesterday evening, resulting in the detention of 14 individuals.
- Two lorries leaving the KLIA cargo inspection centre were detained, and large-scale raids were carried out at two warehouses believed to have been used by the syndicate.
Seized Items
- 32,000 vape units were discovered in the detained lorries, with an estimated tax value of RM1.9 million.
- A raid on a warehouse revealed 90,000 vape units with unpaid taxes amounting to RM5.4 million.
- Tens of thousands of vape units were discovered at the second warehouse, bringing the total tax loss to approximately RM8 million.
- MACC also seized cash totalling RM250,000, four wristwatches, seven earrings, a necklace, three bracelets, two rings, a pouch, two handbags, a belt, one hard drive, a monitor, two CPUs, and two lorries.
Modus Operandi
The syndicate used a modus operandi resembling "flying containers," where enforcement officers on duty paid thousands of ringgit for each container, allowing them to bypass scanning machines and inspections.
Investigation and Arrests
- MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the arrests.
- The case is being investigated under Sections 16 and 17 of the MACC Act 2009.
- All 14 individuals detained, including six customs officers, four company directors, and two others, have been remanded for four to five days to assist in investigations. Another company director was released on MACC bail.
Conclusion
The successful operation demonstrates the MACC’s commitment to combating corruption and tax evasion, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect the country’s revenue and prevent illegal activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the estimated tax loss caused by the vape smuggling syndicate?
A: RM8 million
Q: How many individuals were arrested in the operation?
A: 14
Q: What was the modus operandi used by the syndicate?
A: "Flying containers," where enforcement officers on duty paid thousands of ringgit for each container, allowing them to bypass scanning machines and inspections.
Q: What items were seized in the operation?
A: Cash, wristwatches, earrings, a necklace, bracelets, rings, a pouch, handbags, a belt, a hard drive, a monitor, CPUs, and lorries.