[UPDATED] Op Metal: 28 companies raided in scrap metal, e-waste smuggling syndicate crackdown

New Straits Times

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Graftbusters have raided 28 companies allegedly involved in a scrap metal and e-waste smuggling syndicate operating across five states, which is believed to have cost the government over RM950 million in lost export tax revenue to date.
Sources revealed that the raids were carried out by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) Special Operations Division (BOK), through the Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF), in collaboration with the Customs Department, Inland Revenue Board and Bank Negara Malaysia since July 14.
"Investigations are ongoing, and to date, 32 individuals have had their statements recorded.
"No arrests have been made yet, but the probe remains active," the source said.
The source added that assets worth RM332.5 million have been frozen or seized so far.
"This includes RM149.5 million in bank accounts, vehicles valued at RM1.8 million, properties worth RM15.5 million, land worth RM165 million and luxury watches valued at RM700,000," the source said.
Meanwhile, MACC Special Operations senior director Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin confirmed the raids. He said the case is being investigated under Sections 16 and 18 of the MACC Act 2009, as well as for offences related to money laundering.
It was reported that MACC has recorded a statement from a man with the title Datuk Seri, who is believed to be linked to the smuggling syndicate.
It was previously reported that scrap metal was being smuggled out of the country for export by falsely declaring it as machinery or other types of metal not subject to the 15 per cent export tax imposed by the government.
The 'Datuk Seri' is believed to be among those involved in the illegal export of scrap metal to evade the tax.
The MACC, through Op Metal, which began on July 14, had]s uncovered that the smuggling of metal scrap has resulted in over RM950 million in revenue losses to the country over the past six years, averaging RM160 million annually.