'Counter setting' syndicate still operating in KLIA – sources

Summary:

• Sources allege “counter setting” syndicate still operating in KLIA using minor adjustments.

• Today, only two Immigration officers were arrested by the MACC.

• One source claims the syndicate continues as “big fish’ remains free.

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The main culprits behind a “counter setting” syndicate which facilitates the entry of foreign nationals through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is still in operation, sources claimed despite MACC’s insistence that they have been arrested.

According to a source familiar with the syndicate, there are only minor changes to their modus operandi.

“After the Home Ministry prohibited its officers from using smartphones at the counters, the officers now write down the last four digits of the foreign tourists’ passports who attempt to enter the country via ‘counter setting’ on paper to avoid detection by anyone.

“Once at the counter, the officer checks the last four digits of the passport number for verification before allowing them entry,” the source alleged.

It is believed that the Immigration officers involved are colluding with the syndicate, receiving payments to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals into the country.

Malaysiakini has contacted the Immigration Department for comments.

For the record, on Nov 9, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the two Immigration Department officers, suspected to be the main culprits of the syndicate, would be charged in court.

He said the decision to prosecute the two officers had been handed over to the deputy public prosecutor.

“If everything goes as planned, this case may be brought to court this month (November) or possibly postponed to early next year,” he said.

Investigations ongoing

When contacted over the latest allegations, Azam said the “counter setting” syndicate remains under his agency’s investigation radar.

“The investigation into the modus operandi of ‘counter setting’ involving 50 Immigration officers is still ongoing.

“However, we have gathered sufficient evidence on the two Immigration officers identified as the main culprits.

“Based on this, the MACC has submitted the investigation results to the DPP, and approval for prosecution has been obtained.

“The suspects will face charges in court in the near future,” he told Malaysiakini.

Azam added the MACC has also proposed the names of four other officers from the agency to the DPP for charges.

“Remaining cases involving the other officers are being reviewed from a disciplinary action perspective, which will be the responsibility of the relevant department,” he said, in response to why only two officers were being charged in court.

On Sept 30, Azam said that 50 Immigration staff members were expected to face charges.

Prior to that, on Sept 18, he revealed that the anti-corruption agency found that 60 individuals, including 50 enforcement agency officers, were involved in the activities.

At the time, he said 37 investigation papers had been opened, and statements from 95 individuals had been recorded.

‘Big fish still free’

Meanwhile, a source speaking to Malaysiakini revealed that four Pakistani nationals entered the country using the “counter setting” syndicate on Nov 18.

“They travelled from Lahore to KLIA on the morning of Nov 18 on a local airline. Upon arrival at KLIA, they purchased SIM cards and contacted an agent in Malaysia.

“The agent instructed them to go to counters 41 to 45 at KLIA. The fee for each individual was RM1,200.

“So, my conclusion is that the main culprits behind ‘counter setting’ are still free. As long as the MACC or Immigration does not arrest the ‘big fish’, this ‘counter setting’ syndicate cannot be eradicated,” the source said.

Malaysiakini previously revealed that a local businessperson known as DK and a senior officer at the Immigration were among the main culprits of syndicates involving foreign nationals.

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