KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department has cautioned the public against individuals posing as its officers and claiming they can secure the release of detained illegal immigrants in exchange for a fee from employers.
Kuala Lumpur Immigration director Wan Mohammed Saupee Wan Yusoff said such frauds are often detected after operations, when employers of detained illegal immigrants are contacted by individuals offering their release on condition that a payment is made.
“It is a form of fraud. The Immigration Department will not violate the law or accept any payment to release detainees.
“If you are contacted by individuals claiming to be immigration or other enforcement officers, do not deal with them over the phone or via messages, especially if they ask for any payment. Go straight to the immigration office to verify,” he said.
Wan Mohammed Saupee said this after leading Ops Gegar at two entertainment outlets around Sri Hartamas here on Wednesday night, Bernama reported.
A total of 41 individuals, comprising 39 foreigners and two local men, were detained.
According to Wan Mohammed Saupee, the department uncovers instances of attempted fraud nearly every month, with some employers unfortunately becoming victims of these scams.
“An employer nearly lost RM32,000 last week after an operation on Jalan Ipoh but managed to avoid being scammed after verifying the matter.
“There have been instances where employers were requested to pay amounts ranging from RM5,000 for the release of a single foreign worker to as much as RM15,000 for three workers, with the assurance that the detainees would be freed,” he said.
Wan Mohammed Saupee also urged undocumented migrants to take part in the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0, which runs until April 30 of next year.
“Applicants can visit offices in other states, for faster applications processes,” he said.
