MACC busts smuggling ring involving senior army officers
PETALING JAYA : The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has busted a smuggling syndicate allegedly operated by senior Malaysian armed forces officers in the country's south.
A source said five senior officers and five civilians, including an Indonesian national, were arrested around the Klang Valley from 6.30am today in an operation conducted by MACC's intelligence division and the Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS).
'The senior officers were from the armed force's intelligence division, including two former personnel from the same unit.
'They were assigned to monitor and curb smuggling activities but are believed to have colluded with the syndicate for the past five years, amassing more than RM3 million in bribes,' the source said.
Initial investigations found that the five senior officers were suspected to have leaked military operational information to smugglers and facilitated the entry of contraband such as drugs, cigarettes, and other banned goods from neighbouring countries, worth about RM5 million a month.
'The suspects are believed to have received between RM30,000 and RM50,000 for each smuggling trip,' the source said.
More than RM63,000 in cash, drugs, weighing equipment, liquor and imitation firearms were seized from the raided premises.
According to the source, the smuggling network involving these senior military officers was extensive and difficult to expose.
An Indonesian woman without valid travel documents, believed to be the mistress of one of the officers, was also detained.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the arrests and said the case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009.
He warned that the case must be taken seriously as it concerns activities that could jeopardise national security.
'Although we have various agencies to monitor and take action, smuggling activities persist,' he said.
He added that the suspects would be brought to the Putrajaya magistrates' court tomorrow for a remand application.
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