MACC Finds A Whopping RM248,443 Hidden Under Immigration Officer's Bed
Whoa?!
By Sadho Ram — 18 Sep 2024, 04:03 PM
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) discovered RM248,443 in cash hidden under the bed of an immigration officer during a series of raids targeting a widespread 'counter setting' syndicate
The officer had stashed the money in the master bedroom of his residence in Melaka, said MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The discovery was part of a larger MACC operation, which revealed a staggering RM800,000 in cash hidden at the homes of two lower-ranking immigration officers.
In a separate raid, a total of RM518,250 was found in a suitcase inside the bedroom of a female immigration officer at her home in Pahang, reported Harian Metro.
Azam said the cash haul is part of the RM1.49 million seized from immigration officers involved in a syndicate that allegedly facilitated illegal entries into Malaysia
The officers were accused of manipulating the immigration clearance process through a system known as 'counter setting'.
Azam also said 'counter setting' involves a syndicate promoting entry packages into Malaysia via social media platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, and other social media applications.
He explained that agents would contact immigration officers through WhatsApp to secure suitable dates for groups of foreigners to enter Malaysia as tourists.
The immigration officer would then give the 'green light' if the date was appropriate.
"The agents or syndicate would provide passport details and photos of the foreign group arriving via WhatsApp to the involved immigration officer.
"The officer would then give information on the 'special counter' number that the foreign group should head to for entry clearance into Malaysia," he said.
"This operation revealed how deeply the syndicate had infiltrated immigration processes. The RM248,443 hidden under the bed is just one piece of the puzzle," Azam added.
Aside from the cash found under the officer's bed, MACC also seized USDD9,900 (RM41,990) and 5,470 Baht (RM696) in foreign currency.
The operation also resulted in the confiscation of gold dinars, vehicles, and luxury items believed to have been obtained through illicit activities.
Azam Baki showing some of the seized evidence during a special press conference at the MACC headquarters.
Image via Aswadi Alias/Harian Metro