TMJ's network helped in probe into syndicate involving senior officers, says MACC chief

The Star

2 days ago

CYBERJAYA: Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail has been assisting the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) with information in its probe into a smuggling syndicate involving senior Armed Forces officers, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
'TMJ, as the Regent of Johor, has been very cooperative and wants this issue eradicated.
'We have also received much information through his networking,' the MACC chief commissioner told reporters here on Saturday (Aug 16).
Azam confirmed that the case remains focused in the southern region of the country, with 10 individuals remanded so far under Ops Sohor.
They include five senior Armed Forces officers, two individuals claiming to be journalists, a company manager, an administrative assistant with the Malaysian Medical Association and a foreign woman.
He clarified that the two suspects identified as 'journalists' were in fact social media operators rather than mainstream reporters.
'They were employed by a company we are investigating. Both are ex-military personnel and, from what we see, acted more as enablers by leaking information to criminals involved in smuggling,' he said.
Azam added that these suspects are believed to have collaborated with serving and former Armed Forces officers detained during the operation.
'This should never have happened. Those entrusted with safeguarding the nation's security must not be leaking classified information. If proven, it cannot be taken lightly,' he stressed.
He said the MACC is working closely with the Armed Forces, including the Chief of Defence Forces, to ensure a thorough investigation.
'We will look at every relevant law - corruption, money laundering and military regulations, including court-martial provisions,' said Azam.
He revealed that the suspects' modus operandi involved leaking intelligence on law enforcement operations to smugglers in exchange for bribes.
The illicit gains, he said, were often kept in cash, with investigations ongoing to trace where the money has been stored.
Azam also disclosed that the suspects may have extended their activities into narcotics, with that aspect now referred to the police Narcotics Department.
'From what we know, this has been going on for four to five years. If further evidence emerges, more individuals may be called in,' he said.
The 10 suspects, aged between 30 and 55 years old, were arrested in the Klang Valley earlier this week by MACC's Intelligence Division with police support.