A MAN was allegedly operating in the Klang Valley, promising essential passes and documents to foreign nationals for a hefty fee.
His activities raised serious questions about the authenticity of the services offered and the legality of his role as an intermediary.
Given the nature of his unauthorised work, was a fake immigration agent operating in the Putrajaya area?
Verdict:
TRUE
An illegal immigration agent was arrested in a special operation around Putrajaya.
Immigration director general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the operation on Tuesday (Oct 7) involved officers from the Intelligence and Special Operations Division.
"The arrest followed two weeks of surveillance," he said on Thursday (Oct 9).
"We detained a local man and seized eight Indian passports and a mobile phone," he added.
A sport utility vehicle believed used by the suspect was also confiscated.
Preliminary investigations found the suspect offered services for Special Passes and Visit Pass for Temporary Employment.
The services targeted Indian nationals living in the Klang Valley.
"The suspect had no authorisation from the department or any employer appointment letter," he said.
"He is believed to have charged between RM400 and RM1,500 for each service," he added.
Zakaria said checks showed the suspect was arrested last year for the same offence.
He said the suspect had been punished in that case.
"He is now being investigated under Section 12(1)(f) of the Passport Act 1966," he said.
He said the suspect was brought to the Putrajaya Immigration Office for further investigation.
"Another Malaysian man has been issued a notice to assist in the probe," he added.
The department is committed to continuous and firm enforcement against activities that breach the law.
"This is to ensure the nation’s security and sovereignty are preserved," he said.
