'Flying container' case: MACC nabs 11 customs officers

The MACC has arrested 17 people, including 11 customs officers and six directors, to help investigate a corruption case involving the leakage of an estimated RM3.5 billion in Port Klang, over the past 10 years.

According to an MACC source, among those arrested were a runner and his accomplice. The investigation thus far has succeeded in seizing RM4.4 million in cash, believed to have been obtained through bribery by the customs officers involved.

“This does not include four Yamaha XMAX motorcycles worth RM28,000, an Alphard vehicle worth more than RM200,000, a used BMW car, jewellery, luxury watches and a plot of land, all bought in cash,” he said.

The source said all these seizures are part of the corrupt activities the MACC has detected thus far.

At the same time, he said a total of 12 company and individual bank accounts had been frozen, with an estimated value of RM2 million.

MACC is also in the process of tracking down other accounts, believed to be used by the syndicate members, he said.

False declarations

The source added that MACC, in collaboration with the Customs Department, has inspected 19 seized containers.

“This syndicate has made false declarations by declaring items such as wheelchairs, toilets, textiles and tax-free health equipment.

“However, the inspection found that all the containers contained various other items, including LED lights, solar panel boards, solar lights, motorcycle accessories, sport rims, vehicles, vehicle spare parts, clothes, Chinese tea and canned processed pork,” he said.

The total estimated value of the 19 containers, including taxes to be paid, is believed to reach millions of ringgit.

According to the source, this is one of the MACC’s biggest successes in curbing corruption among law enforcement officers and stemming leakage of national revenue.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the arrests to assist in the investigations under Section 17 (b), Section 16 (a) of the MACC Act 2009, and the Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Act Illegal Activities 2001.

“MACC is actively tracking down the syndicate mastermind with the cooperation of various foreign agencies,” he said.

On Monday, MACC chief commissioner, Azam Baki reportedly said that all states with ports in the country, including Sabah, are being closely watched in the light of the ongoing container tax evasion case.

- Bernama

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