KUALA LUMPUR: Immigration officers have uncovered a syndicate operating a fake website offering electronic visas (eVisa), which is believed to have raked in millions of ringgit since 2022.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban (pic) said the syndicate operated by targeting foreigners who were required to obtain visas before travelling to Malaysia.
“Investigations revealed that the syndicate charged applicants between RM300 and RM500, two to three times the official eVisa fee.
“A 32-year-old Bangladeshi woman who holds a social visit pass was arrested in connection with the case.
“Checks showed she had frequently entered Malaysia over the past three years. Her Malaysian husband has been issued a notice to assist with investigations,” Zakaria said in a statement yesterday.
He said preliminary findings showed the bogus website had processed 52,672 applications since it began operations in 2022.
“The syndicate’s modus operandi was to mimic the official eVisa Malaysia portal.
“Applicants were offered two categories – ‘regular visa’ processed within three to five working days and an ‘urgent visa’ promising approval within two to three days,” he said.
However, after payment was made, applicants were told that their applications had been rejected, Zakaria added.
“Those who sought clarification through the website’s live chat service were allegedly threatened, including being warned their passports would be blacklisted.
“The woman is being investigated under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 and is being held at the Immigration Department headquarters in Putrajaya.”
He said such fraudulent websites tarnished the department’s image and undermined public trust.
“The department remains committed to strengthening enforcement efforts to curb such abuses, and to safeguard national security and integrity,” Zakaria said.
