EAIC summons 'Tok Ayah's' associate in visa fraud probe - source

Summary

• EAIC is investigating a medical visa scandal and summoned an immigration officer linked to a senior figure known as “Tok Ayah.”

• The scandal involves the “fly” syndicate, where fake visa stamps were issued for RM1.2 million in bribes, with MACC arresting four suspects, including three immigration officers.

• Authorities raided the Immigration Department in October, seizing 156 visa application files, and are probing misconduct across multiple government agencies.

The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has summoned an immigration officer regarding an investigation into a medical visa scandal involving the entry of foreign nationals, sources confirmed to Malaysiakini.

The two immigration sources informed that the officer is a close associate of “Tok Ayah”, one of the alleged key masterminds of the “fly” syndicate involving RM1.2 million in bribes.

“Last week, the EAIC raided one of the immigration divisions.

“Following this, the agency summoned the officer to provide a statement,” said the source.

However, both sources could not confirm whether items were seized during the raid.

Malaysiakini has contacted the EAIC and the Immigration Department for further clarification on these allegations.

Previously, an MACC source revealed that Tok Ayah and an individual known as DK were identified as the main culprits in the MACC investigation into the fraudulent visa stamping syndicate for foreign nationals after a detainee disclosed their names.

DK is believed to be a local businessperson from Johor, while Tok Ayah was described as a senior officer in a government agency and they reportedly remained free from any action.

Falsifying visa stamps

On Dec 4, the MACC arrested four individuals, including three immigration officers and an agent, linked to the syndicate, which involved falsifying visa entry and exit stamps for migrant workers without their physical presence.

The immigration officers were accused of engaging in corruption and money laundering by colluding with agents managing passes for foreign nationals to extend their stay.

The EAIC - a federal statutory body that investigates misconduct complaints against enforcement officers or agencies - had earlier formed a special task force to investigate the scandal.

A comprehensive investigation is being conducted in accordance with subsection 27(4) read with subsection 26(3) of the EAIC Act 2009.

In October, authorities raided the Visa, Pass, and Permit Division of the Immigration Department in Putrajaya and seized 156 application files for Social Visit Passes (Treatment category).

In addition to immigration officers, the investigation also involved several officers from the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry.

The Immigration Department previously assured that it would not compromise with any of its officers involved in the alleged syndicate.

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