A total of 23 officers and personnel from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department are slated to be charged under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 and Section 165 of the Penal Code in six different Sessions Courts across the nation by June 6.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) reported that thus far, two Customs officers have already been charged in court following their arrests during operations named Ops Samba 2.0.
Conducted from March 11 to 25, Ops Samba 2.0 targeted investigations into Customs Department personnel stationed at the cargo section of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang. The operations uncovered a significant leakage in tax revenue, estimated at RM2 billion, according to an MACC statement.
“This represents a substantial loss to the country’s revenue and will continue to adversely impact the national economy if not addressed,” the statement read.
During the operation, MACC detained 34 officers and personnel, alongside 27 individuals and company owners. The investigation revealed that these individuals had colluded with a syndicate involved in smuggling, importing, and selling contraband cigarettes and liquor.
As part of the investigation, the MACC’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Division seized mobile phones, laptops, and eight luxury vehicles belonging to the syndicate to aid their inquiry.
Additionally, the commission has frozen 231 bank accounts associated with companies and individuals, including mule accounts, amounting to a total of RM18 million.
Ops Samba 2.0 is a joint operation led by the MACC, in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), aimed at eradicating corrupt practices among enforcement agency officers who have been facilitating smuggling activities since 2017. The operation underscores the concerted efforts of these agencies to tackle corruption and protect the nation's economic integrity.
The upcoming court charges and the actions taken during Ops Samba 2.0 highlight the ongoing commitment to curbing corruption within enforcement agencies. By addressing these illicit activities, the MACC and its partners are working to safeguard public funds and ensure that the national economy is not undermined by such significant revenue losses. The comprehensive approach taken in Ops Samba 2.0 serves as a robust measure against corruption, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in governmental operations.
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