RM38mil cash, 200kg of gold seized in multi-agency takedown of smuggling syndicate

PETALING JAYA: A smuggling syndicate, which also allegedly had its hands in corruption, criminal breach of trust and tax evasion, has been dismantled following a massive multi-agency crackdown.

Over RM38mil cash and 200kg of gold worth over RM60mil was seized along with several luxury vehicles during the operation that was carried out by a Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF) led by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Monday (July 24).

According to sources, the operation was carried out in collaboration with the police, Immigration Department, Customs Department, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) as well as Cyber Security Malaysia (CSM).

"Dubbed Ops 82S, this is the first operation carried out under the MATF, chaired by the Attorney General.

"Simultaneous raids were carried out in 34 locations at Kuala Lumpur and Selangor involving 315 officers from various agencies," the source said, adding that a businessman with a "Datuk" title and his associates were arrested.

The source also stated that at least RM38mil in cash, 200kg of gold worth approximately RM60mil and 17 luxury cars including a Maserati, Ferrari and Mercedes Benz have been confiscated.

When contacted, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the arrest, adding that the case was being investigated under the MACC Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001, the Taxation Act 1967 and the Customs Act 1967.

It was reported on Tuesday that a "Datuk", who is a concert organiser, had been arrested by the MACC.

The suspect was believed to have been arrested over links to questionable funds amounting to RM500mil.

It is learnt that the suspect was released on bail on Wednesday (July 26) afternoon.