Migrant smugling syndicate dismantled, alleged leader nabbed in Johor raids
He was among 11 individuals detained during a series of coordinated night-time raids across Kukup, Skudai, and Batu Pahat on May 27. The suspects were aged between 25 and 47.
The syndicate, believed to have been operating for at least six months, was smuggling undocumented Indonesians in and out of Johor using sea routes.
Backed by anti-trafficking and anti-money laundering units, immigration officers seized key evidence including passports, cash, mobile phones, a multi-purpose vehicle, and a boat — effectively crippling the group's operations.
A three-week intelligence-led operation culminated in the successful dismantling of the syndicate.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the syndicate had been active for at least six months and charged each migrant RM2,100 for transport into or out of Malaysia by boat.
"Our officers also detained five Indonesian men and one woman, most of whom had no valid travel documents, while one was found to have overstayed," he said in a statement today.
These suspects were among the 11 arrested during the operation.
Investigations revealed that migrants were temporarily housed in a hotel, believed used as a holding location to avoid suspicion before they were transported by sea between Indonesia and Johor, Zakaria said.
Five suspects — three Indonesian men and two Malaysian women — are being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, while the remaining Indonesians face charges under Section 6(3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
All detainees were taken to the Immigration Department's depot in Setia Tropika for further action.
Zakaria said the department will intensify efforts to clamp down on migrant smuggling operations to protect the country's border sovereignty.
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