KUALA LUMPUR: A syndicate specialising in fake passports was crippled with the arrest of three Bangladeshi men following several raids in the Klang Valley.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the suspects were detained in the operation, codenamed Ops Serkap, on Sept 30.
He said the raids were carried out in Kepong, Cheras, Pudu and Puchong, involving the department’s Special Tactical Unit and 20 officers from the Intelligence and Special Operations Division.
“Intelligence work spanning nearly three months led to the success of the operation.
“It uncovered a syndicate that had been operating for over a year, producing fake passports for fraudulent medical check-ups required to obtain temporary work permits for foreign workers.
“Six individuals – three locals and three foreigners – were also checked during the raids.
“We detained three Bangladeshi men aged between 21 and 40, while two local women and one local man were issued witness summonses to assist in investigations,” he said.
He said 30 fake passports were seized – 24 Bangladeshi, five Indonesian and one Myanmar passport – along with 14 forms of the Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency Sdn Bhd (Fomema).
“A laptop, two printers, and various tools believed to have been used to forge documents were confiscated,” he added.
Zakaria said investigations revealed syndicate leaders sent workers’ details and passport photos to members tasked with producing the forged documents.
“The fake passports would then be used at designated clinics listed in Fomema forms to bypass mandatory health screenings.
“To evade detection, the syndicate relied on food delivery services to transport the forged passports.
“The items were packed in polystyrene boxes and labelled ‘Makanan Bangla’.
“The syndicate charged between RM350 and RM450 per worker for their services.
“Stern action will continue against individuals and syndicates committing offences under the relevant immigration laws, as well as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007,” he added.
