KUALA LUMPUR: More than 15 individuals were detained following raids on a migrant smuggling syndicate in Kuala Selangor.
Immigration director general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the operation was based on intelligence and public tip offs.
He said it was carried out by the Anti Trafficking in Persons and Anti Smuggling of Migrants and Anti Money Laundering divisions, and the Intelligence and Special Operations Division on Tuesday (November 11).
Zakaria said in the first raid, enforcement personnel stormed premises used as a transit point for migrants.
He said they were to be smuggled to Indonesia via illegal routes.
“The location, concealed behind a grocery and eatery, was equipped with living quarters, bathrooms and a kitchen,” he said.
“We detained nine Indonesian migrants, seven men and two women aged between 20 and 45,” added Zakaria.
He said two male transporters, one from Nepal and another from Indonesia, were also detained and added that a vehicle used by the syndicate was seized.
Zakaria said a follow up operation at a nearby double storey terrace house led to six more arrests.
He said they were three Indonesian men and three women aged between 22 and 40.
“Two caretakers, an Indonesian woman and a Nepalese man, were also arrested,” he said.
He added initial investigations revealed the migrants were housed at both premises before being smuggled out through illegal sea routes off Kuala Selangor.
“Many admitted they had engaged the syndicate’s services via social media,” he said.
Zakaria said a 36-year-old Indonesian man believed to be the main coordinator and transporter was also arrested.
“We also seized another vehicle and cash suspected to be payments from several migrants for smuggling services,” he added.
Zakaria said the department is tracing the local property owner suspected of colluding with the syndicate, adding that the premises were allegedly rented out as collection points for illegal entry and exit activities.
“The individual will be investigated under the Anti Trafficking in Persons and Anti Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007,” he said on Thursday (Nov 13).
He said investigations show the Pade Ajak syndicate has been active since early 2023 and added that its networks span Malaysia and Indonesia.
Zakaria added that the group allegedly used social media to offer illegal sea routes.
He said they charged between RM1,500 and RM2,100 per person and that the syndicate’s total profits are estimated at RM504,000.
Zakaria said the operation implemented the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators 2.0 to identify potential trafficking victims.
“Further investigations are underway under the Anti Trafficking in Persons and Anti Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007,” he said.
The Immigration Department said it is committed to combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
“Strict legal action will be taken without compromise against anyone found guilty of colluding in such crimes,” the department said.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to migrant smuggling or human trafficking,” he said.
