The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has apprehended an additional 15 civil servants on suspicion of accepting bribes totaling over RM2 million from a syndicate engaged in the illicit trafficking of tobacco, cigarettes, and alcohol across the nation's borders.
These arrests were conducted as part of Operation Samba 2.0 by MACC's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Division in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) since the previous Monday (March 11).
The individuals, ranging in age from their 30s to 50s, were detained at the MACC Headquarters while providing their statements earlier today. Initial investigations indicate their involvement in these activities spans from 2017 to 2023, during which they allegedly received substantial bribes from the syndicate to facilitate the smuggling of various goods, including chewing tobacco, cigarettes, and alcohol.
MACC's AML Division has seized evidence such as mobile phones and frozen the bank accounts of those implicated in the scandal. This latest development follows the previous arrest of 11 individuals, including five civil servants, who were remanded to aid in the ongoing investigation.
The syndicate's modus operandi reportedly involves utilizing forwarding agents as middlemen to facilitate payments to enforcement officers, streamlining the smuggling process by bypassing declaration and inspection protocols. Moreover, the syndicate allegedly utilizes mule accounts to distribute bribes to complicit civil servants.
Furthermore, the syndicate stands accused of engaging in money laundering activities by funneling money through fictitious company accounts, money changers, and licensed money lending entities.
AML Division director, Dato’ Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin, confirmed the latest arrests, stating that the case falls under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009. He indicated that a request for a remand order would be made for all suspects at the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
These arrests mark a significant development in the fight against corruption and illegal trafficking in Malaysia, demonstrating the authorities' commitment to upholding the rule of law and preserving the integrity of the nation's borders.
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