Prostitution ring smashed, three Malaysians and 26 foreigners nabbed in Pudu raid

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the movement control order (MCO), a prostitution ring believed to be run by three Malaysians, still managed to operate until it was busted by authorities.

Immigration director-general Datuk Khairul Dzaimee Daud said 26 foreigners were rounded up in a raid at a hotel in Pudu around 2pm on Thursday (April 23).

"Among those arrested were 23 women, aged 25 to 40, who were found in separate rooms in the hotel. Some of them were caught with men, who are believed to be their clients.

"The team also found a notebook with recording payments from clients as well as several condoms and sexual paraphernalia," he said, adding the raid was conducted in collaboration with police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The women will be investigated for abusing their social visit passes.

Authorities also caught two other foreign women, who are believed to be cleaners at the premises for not having valid documents.

Khairul said five men believed to be the women's clients were also arrested in the raid, including a foreigner who is believed to have overstayed.

"The local men will face penalties for breaking the MCO," he said on Friday (April 24).

He said authorities also arrested three other local men believed to be agents behind the ring and in charge of overseeing activities in the hotel.

They will be investigated for harbouring those suspected of violating laws under the Immigration Act 1959/63.

Khairul said the syndicate would lure customers by posting advertisements on WeChat with pictures with women dressed provocatively.

"Clients would then make online bookings or walk-in appointments with each session costing between RM180 and RM300," he said.

Authorities also seized more than RM20,650 in cash, which will be investigated under money laundering.

All foreigners caught were later brought to the Immigration depot in Semenyih where they will undergo Covid-19 screenings before being remanded to help with further investigations.