MACC seizes RM183m in assets, freezes RM51m accounts in Op Metal
The operation, codenamed Op Metal, targeted networks across five states, uncovering illicit activities linked to tax evasion and corruption.
Authorities confiscated eight high-value properties in Penang, including bungalows in Batu Maung, a penthouse in Tanjung Tokong, and commercial land in Bayan Lepas.
Over 1,960 acres of oil palm plantation land in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, were also seized.
Among the luxury items recovered were six high-end vehicles—a Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover, BMW, Volvo, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Toyota Alphard—valued at RM1.9 million.
Five luxury watches, including a Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Omega models, worth RM740,000 were also confiscated.
A source revealed that most assets belonged to a foreign businessman with a 'Datuk' title, who operates a scrap metal firm and resides in Batu Maung.
The suspect was abroad during the raids but is expected to return soon.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the seizures and stated that 45 company and 82 personal bank accounts were frozen.
Further raids were conducted at 13 locations in Penang, Kedah, Johor, and the Klang Valley.
Investigations focus on violations under the MACC Act 2009, money laundering, and tax offences.
The syndicates allegedly smuggled scrap metal and e-waste through Port Klang and Penang Port, costing Malaysia RM950 million in lost tax revenue over six years.
The operation involved collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Inland Revenue Board, and Bank Negara Malaysia. – Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Counter-setting: Penang Immigration officers detained, MACC identifying 'high-level' links
GEORGE TOWN: Two Immigration officers stationed at the Penang International Airport have been arrested in a special operation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Penang, as part of an ongoing investigation into a corruption scheme known as 'counter-setting'. The officers allegedly abused their positions by allowing foreign nationals to bypass official Immigration screening and enter the country without proper clearance. According to sources familiar with the investigation, the two officers were detained after MACC received intelligence indicating their direct involvement in facilitating unauthorised entry. "The arrests were made under the MACC Act 2009 [Act 694]. "The detention is part of a broader effort to uncover the network and understand the full modus operandi behind this illegal practice," said a source, who confirmed the operation is ongoing. 'Counter-setting' is believed to involve a wider ring of personnel acting in collusion, potentially exposing systemic weaknesses at Malaysia's entry points. The source added that the two arrested officers are assisting MACC in tracing higher-level links and identifying other individuals who may be involved. MACC reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on corruption, particularly within enforcement sectors critical to national security. "Stern action will be taken against any individuals or parties found to have abused their power or engaged in corrupt practices," the source said. The public has been urged to report any information related to corruption in both the public and private sectors, as MACC continues its mission to uphold the integrity of public service. It was reported last week that an enforcement officer was arrested at Terminal 1 of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on suspicion of involvement in misconduct related to 'counter-setting'. The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) said the arrest was made after its Monitoring and Integrity Units detected the officer's suspicious behaviour via closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage at the Immigration checkpoint.
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
MACC detains two Penang Airport Immigration officers over ‘counter-setting' scheme
GEORGE TOWN, July 29 — Two Immigration officers have been arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Penang in a special operation targeting a corruption scheme known as 'counter-setting'. The officers, stationed at Penang International Airport (PIA), allegedly allowed foreign nationals to bypass official Immigration checks and enter the country without proper clearance. A source familiar with the investigation said the two were detained after MACC received information about their role in facilitating unauthorised entry. They were arrested under the MACC Act 2009 [Act 694]. The special operation, which is still ongoing, aims to uncover the modus operandi and network behind the scheme. It is believed that a wider group of personnel may be involved in 'counter-setting', exposing systemic weaknesses at Malaysia's entry points. According to the source, the two officers are now assisting MACC in tracing higher-level links and identifying others connected to the operation. MACC has urged members of the public to report any information related to corruption or abuse of power in both the public and private sectors. Last week, it was reported that an enforcement officer was arrested at Terminal 1 of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for suspected involvement in similar 'counter-setting' activities.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Two immigration officers detained over counter-setting in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: Two Immigration officers have been arrested in a special operation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over alleged abuse of power and corruption linked to the unlawful entry of foreign nationals through the Penang International Airport (PIA). State MACC director Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah said the two immigration officers were detained at the state MACC office on July 28 after their statements were recorded. "The operation was triggered following intelligence reports uncovering a scheme known as counter-setting, in which Immigration officers were allegedly complicit in allowing foreign nationals into the country without undergoing mandatory screening or immigration checks," he said in a statement on Tuesday (July 29). Mohd Fuad said the officers are believed to have deliberately bypassed standard operating procedures to facilitate unauthorised entries of illegals into the country. He said the arrests were made under the MACC Act 2009. "Further investigations are ongoing to identify the full network involved and uncover the ruse. "Stern action will be taken against any individual or group found to be involved in corruption or abuse of power, particularly within enforcement agencies linked to national security and sovereignty," he said. The state MACC said the people should come forward to provide any information related to corrupt practices in the public or private sector.
