PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has uncovered a syndicate involved in the smuggling of tobacco and liquor that misuses import licences with the aid of forwarding agents.
MACC senior director (special operations) Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin said its investigation under "Ops Sikaro" found that several import companies abused valid licenses issued to them by making false declarations to avoid paying taxes.
He also said the syndicate also used the services of forwarding agents that did not have valid licenses or complete documents.
"These forwarding agents act as middlemen to manage delivery documents, opening up space for syndicates to evade authorities," he said in a statement on Monday (Sept 1), reported Sinar Harian.
He added that the investigation also found that the smuggled goods were stored in a warehouse before being distributed on the black market.
He said that this syndicate had been operating for several years with total losses in terms of lost tax revenue amounting to hundreds of millions of ringgit.
"So far, MACC's investigation involves 14 companies that have valid import licenses and several forwarding agents," he said.
He added that the investigation is 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.
