PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has frozen 14 bank accounts holding about RM1,100,000 in funds and seized assets worth some RM2,500,000 following a major crackdown on a syndicate involving foreigners and local enforcement personnel.
Sources said the frozen accounts comprised five company accounts and nine personal bank accounts belonging to several individuals linked to the case.
The action followed investigations into 33 individuals, including enforcement officers, civil servants, members of the public and foreigners, who are suspected of committing various offences under the Immigration Act.
The suspects are believed to have been involved in activities related to foreigners staying in the country without valid travel documents as well as abusing social visit passes to work in Malaysia.
Sources said the integrated operation carried out on Wednesday (July 8) by the MACC Intelligence division together with MACC offices in Putrajaya, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Melaka also led to the seizure of various assets.
Among the items seized were RM393,150 in cash, as well as 10 luxury cars and three motorcycles estimated to be worth about RM1,800,000.
Other items seized were 14 gold pieces weighing one gram each valued at about RM8,300 and 80 pieces of jewellery including bracelets and rings worth around RM118,500.
Also seized were three watches worth about RM42,200, a luxury handbag valued at about RM9,000 and 17 mobile phones worth approximately RM48,000.
"As of today, nine investigation papers have been opened and through the integrated operations conducted in four states last Wednesday, the MACC has seized assets and frozen company and individual accounts linked to those involved," the sources said.
"Yesterday, the MACC also arrested another enforcement officer at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to assist in investigations. However, he has since been released on MACC bail."
Last Wednesday, through operations codenamed Op Layer in Putrajaya, Op Dalang in Selangor, Op Raider in Negri Sembilan and Op Genuine in Melaka, the MACC arrested 38 individuals and subsequently remanded 33 of them.
When contacted, MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman confirmed the matter. He said the case is being investigated under Sections 16(b)(A), 17(a), 17(b) and 18 of the MACC Act 2009.
