Syndicate smuggling in foreigners disguised as athletes busted

PETALING JAYA: A human trafficking syndicate has been busted by the Immigration Department in an operation in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said 21 Bangladeshis aged from 21 to 33 were arrested on Thursday (Oct 3).

He said three suspects had temporary work permits and had overstayed.

Zakaria said investigations revealed that the syndicate earned between RM2,000 and RM5,000 for each foreigner brought into the country.

He said the syndicate had used invitation letters with the names of the foreigners, supposedly inviting them FOR non-existent events or tournaments in the country.

Zakaria said the foreigners were told to wear sports attire to disguise themselves as foreign athletes.

"The syndicate also prepared return tickets and hotel bookings to hoodwink authorities.

"We believe the syndicate has been actively bringing in foreigners, especially Bangladeshis, over the past four months," he said.

According to Sinar Harian, Zakaria said his officers also seized 18 Bangladeshi passports, RM990 and several fake invitation letters.

He said Immigration has also summoned two Malaysians to assist with investigations.

Zakaria said the foreigners being probed for offences under the Immigration Act were sent to the Lenggeng Immigration detention centre.