The Immigration Department in Malaysia has dismantled a syndicate trafficking foreigners disguised as athletes after detaining 21 Bangladeshi nationals in Maluri, Kuala Lumpur.
Immigration Director-Overall Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said three of these detained are believed to be key individuals of the syndicate, reviews Malaysian files agency Bernama.
“Two of the boys apprehended had non permanent employment focus on to passes (PLKS), while the third had overstayed his visa. All three are extinct between 21 and 33,” he said.
“The personnel also confiscated 18 Bangladeshi passports, RM990 in cash, and a suspicious invitation letter for a sports activities competition, along with the event time table,” he said.
The syndicate’s modus operandi involved bringing in foreigners, particularly from Bangladesh, and having them pose as athletes in sports activities attire to evade detection by authorities.
“As well they booked return flights to Bangladesh and rooms in budget hotels in Kuala Lumpur a day before the supposed match to deceive authorities,” he added.
The syndicate reportedly charged between RM2,000 and RM5,000 per person and has been working for the previous four months.
All 21 detainees were taken to the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for suspected offences below Sections 6(3), 15(4), and 56(1)(l) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, as well to Law 39(b) of the Immigration Rules 1963.
