NRD launches investigation into syndicate

MALACCA: The state National Registration Department (NRD) has begun investigations into an alleged fake citizenship and MyKad syndicate after being alerted by The Star.

State NRD director Norazle Sulaiman said yesterday that the documents obtained in The Star’s undercover operation appeared authentic, but the holders’ names were not in the NRD database.

He hoped the ongoing investigation would able to determine if it was an inside job involving actual MyKads pilfered from NRD or if it was a case of cheating illegal immigrants with counterfeit documents, which would put it under the scope of commercial crime.

“We have roped in various agencies and the police as part of our task force, and will go all out to bring down this syndicate,” he said.

“My investigation team needs those who dealt with the mastermind or even managed to obtain the documents to come forward.”

Norazle said the department was tracking the digital footprints from previous transactions to strengthen its case against the mastermind and his accomplices.

“There is a lot of work involved before we can nail the culprits,” he said.

Norazle acknowledged that it would not be easy getting cooperation from the affected foreigners to help with the investigation.

“My team has handled cases relating to fake MyKads before and had a tough time getting help from those who possessed the counterfeits.

“We are in the midst of tracing those who had dealings with the mastermind with the help of our counterparts from neighbouring states,” he added.

Meanwhile, an official of the Indonesian Consulate in Johor Baru revealed that the mastermind’s “runners” would loiter around the premises looking for clients.

“It has been happening for some time and we hope the Malaysian authorities can put a stop to their activities,” the official said.