Police uncover human smuggling syndicate, rescue four victims
JOHOR BARU: Police have arrested three Myanmar nationals believed to be involved in a human smuggling syndicate that exploited victims by forcing them to work as guest relation officers (GROs).
Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the suspects, aged 30 to 49, were arrested on May 8 in Johor Baru and Kuala Lumpur.
"We also managed to rescue four women, aged 21 to 26, who are believed to be victims of labour exploitation.
"We believe the syndicate lured victims to Malaysia with promises of waitress jobs at restaurants offering salaries between RM1,500 and RM2,000 a month," he said in a statement.
Comm Kumar said the victims, who are also Myanmar nationals, were believed to have been smuggled into the country through Rantau Panjang, Kelantan.
"They were then brought to Senai by land and forced to work as GROs in entertainment outlets.
"The victims allegedly worked without pay for about two months to 'repay' the cost of entering Malaysia, which was about RM20,000," he said.
Comm Kumar added that the women were confined in a locked hostel and closely monitored.
"If they asked about their wages, they would be beaten. The suspects also sent them videos of abuse to intimidate them," he said.
He said police also seized a padlock with keys and a tripod believed to have been used to lock and assault the victims.
Comm Kumar said two of the suspects will be charged at the Johor Baru Sessions Court under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670), for human trafficking offences on Friday (May 30).
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