Immigration Syndicate Smashed in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur immigration director Wan Saupee Wan Yusoff showing the fake immigration security stamps. (Bernama pic)
Operation Details
A syndicate specialising in forging documents and producing fake immigration stamps was smashed following the arrest of three suspects in a raid in Kuala Lumpur. The raid on Monday was conducted by the Kuala Lumpur immigration department following three weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance, Bernama reported.
Suspects and Investigation
The arrests involved a 36-year-old male suspect, his 27-year-old female partner, and a 16-year-old teenager believed to be a relative of the female accomplice. "All the suspects are being detained under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Passports Act 1966 for further investigation," Wan Saupee said at a press conference today.
Syndicate Activities
Wan Saupee said the syndicate, led by a Pakistani national, was found to be forging immigration documents such as temporary work visit passes, immigration security stamps, entry and exit stamps, as well as flight tickets. The syndicate is believed to have been operating for the past year. He said the syndicate targeted foreign nationals overstaying or residing illegally in Malaysia, selling fake security stamps for up to RM350 each.
Seized Items
The immigration team seized 18 passports from various countries, including the Philippines and Pakistan, suspected to be forged. Six immigration security stamps, entry and exit stamps for countries such as Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh and India, as well as counterfeit flight tickets were also seized.
Immigration Department’s Efforts
Wan Saupee also said his team conducted 1,520 operations throughout 2024 in the federal capital. "From Jan 1 to Dec 31, we checked 8,656 individuals, including locals, and detained 3,007 undocumented migrants," he said. "Some have been deported, while others remain in detention centres." A total of 171 employers who sheltered or hired foreign nationals were also arrested.
Conclusion
The successful operation demonstrates the Kuala Lumpur immigration department’s commitment to combating immigration fraud and protecting the country’s borders. The syndicate’s activities have been brought to an end, and the suspects are facing further investigation and possible prosecution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the purpose of the syndicate?
A: The syndicate was forging immigration documents, including temporary work visit passes, immigration security stamps, entry and exit stamps, as well as flight tickets.
Q: How long did the syndicate operate?
A: The syndicate is believed to have been operating for the past year.
Q: What was the target of the syndicate?
A: The syndicate targeted foreign nationals overstaying or residing illegally in Malaysia.
Q: What was seized during the operation?
A: 18 passports from various countries, including the Philippines and Pakistan, suspected to be forged, six immigration security stamps, entry and exit stamps for countries such as Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh and India, as well as counterfeit flight tickets.
Q: What was the outcome of the operation?
A: The suspects were arrested and are facing further investigation and possible prosecution.