Eight enforcement officers among 18 arrested in ops
PUTRAJAYA: A “tonto” syndicate linked to illegal lorry operations, which included overloading, has been dismantled with the arrest of 18 people, including eight enforcement officers, in a major operation involving multiple agencies.
Authorities have also identified bribery transactions amounting to RM12.48mil between 2021 and 2025 involving this syndicate.
“Tonto” refers to a network of paid informants and middlemen who monitor authorities, providing warnings to protect illicit operations.
In this case, the “tonto” is working on behalf of illegal, overloaded and unregistered lorries to evade detection and roadblocks.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said a total of four policemen and four Road Transport Department (JPJ) officers were arrested in a special operation codenamed “Ops Middleman”.
Two business owners, seven “tontos” and a mule account holder have also been arrested since the operation began on Feb 24.
“Our investigations showed these ‘tontos’ are used to bribe enforcement officers in exchange for action that benefit certain companies,” Azam told a press conference.
Graft busters have opened multiple investigation papers – one for each individual arrested, adding that statements have been recorded from four witnesses.
“We have seized a total of RM326,625 in cash, 25 cars worth around RM2.5mil, jewellery worth RM40,000, 27 mobile phones valued at RM81,000 and 41 sets of walkie-talkies estimated at RM14,760,” he added.
A further RM4,692,280.19 from 59 bank accounts belonging to the “tonto” group, its members and companies have also been frozen.
Azam said the investigation paper will be referred to the deputy public prosecutor as soon as possible, and did not rule out the possibility of the “tontos” working with other organised crime groups.
Meanwhile, when asked about his case, including a letter of demand (LOD) issued to Bloomberg, the chief commissioner declined to comment.
On whether the international news agency had responded to the LOD, Azam said he would not comment on the matter and advised the media to direct questions to his lawyer.
“I will not answer questions related to issues involving me.
“If you want to ask about that, please refer to my lawyer,” he said.
