PUTRAJAYA: The crackdown on a large-scale tobacco, cigarette and cigar smuggling syndicate was a direct result of arrests made under Ops Sohor, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner said a recent intelligence-led operation, codenamed Ops Sikaro, was spearheaded by the MACC's Special Operations division with the support of Bank Negara Malaysia, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and the Customs Department.
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"The latest success was due to our intelligence and investigative work in Ops Sohor, which saw 10 individuals detained, including military officers, who allegedly leaked information to smuggling syndicates.
"Once we had sufficient evidence, we moved quickly and took action in just over a week," he told reporters during a session with the media on Thursday (Aug 21).
He explained that multi-agency collaboration is crucial in strengthening enforcement efforts, particularly against those involved in smuggling activities that have caused significant financial losses to the government.
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“I want to emphasise that we do not intend to delay action.
"The public expects results, and we are determined to act decisively and productively,” he added, noting that the authorities’ priority this year remains tackling crime and recovering assets lost through illicit activities.
Azam also urged the public to understand the challenges faced by enforcement agencies, but gave an assurance that swift action will continue to be taken to ensure accountability.
"My instruction is clear: go after all those involved in smuggling issues.
"This has caused losses to the government, and our focus is on enforcement and asset recovery,” he said.
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On Tuesday (Aug 19), the MACC raided several companies suspected of being involved in tobacco, cigarette and cigar smuggling activities, believed to have cost the government an estimated RM250mil in tax revenue over the past five years.
MACC senior director of Special Operations, Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin, confirmed the raids, saying that 14 locations across the Klang Valley and Johor were targeted.
Investigations are being conducted under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009 as well as Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
“MACC will not compromise with any party attempting to profit from corruption, money laundering and smuggling that causes significant losses to the nation,” Zamri said.
In Ops Sohor, 10 individuals, including five senior Armed Forces officers and two journalists from a news portal, were detained on suspicion of involvement in a smuggling syndicate in the southern part of the peninsula.
Also remanded were a company manager, an administrative assistant from the Malaysian Medical Association, and a foreign woman.
The suspects, aged 30 to 55, were arrested in the Klang Valley on Aug 13 during Ops Sohor, conducted by MACC’s Intelligence Division in collaboration with the police.
