Malaysia

Mother, son among eight enforcement officers arrested in ‘counter setting’ syndicate crackdown

MACC has arrested eight enforcement officers — including a mother and her son — for alleged involvement in a cross-border bribery syndicate that manipulates immigration clearance for foreign nationals

Updated 8 months ago · Published on 16 Sep 2025 5:24PM

Mother, son among eight enforcement officers arrested in ‘counter setting’ syndicate crackdown
Commission confirms the duo were believed to have conspired with the syndicate in exchange for bribes, enabling the unlawful entry of foreign nationals - September 16, 2025

A MOTHER and son are among eight enforcement officers arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in connection with a syndicate allegedly involved in illegal immigration clearance, known as counter setting.

The arrests were carried out as part of Ops Rentas, an ongoing nationwide operation that began on 9 September, spanning four states.

In a statement released via TikTok, MACC confirmed that the duo were believed to have conspired with the syndicate in exchange for bribes, enabling the unlawful entry of foreign nationals into Malaysia by bypassing standard immigration protocols.

Authorities also seized approximately RM80,000 in cash and jewellery worth an estimated RM50,000 from the two suspects. Additional assets confiscated included mobile devices valued at RM20,000, two vehicles worth RM106,000, and two motorcycles worth RM20,000.

Six other suspects — comprising five men and one woman — were also detained. MACC reported the seizure of RM12,000 in cash, foreign currency amounting to USD5,000 and THB2,360, electronic devices worth RM29,000, and jewellery worth an estimated RM200,000.

In addition, MACC froze financial accounts in Tabung Haji and Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) totalling RM1 million.

MACC’s Senior Director of Intelligence, Datuk Saiful Ezral Arifin, said the suspects are believed to have received bribes in exchange for facilitating the unauthorised entry of foreigners into the country.

“They are suspected of colluding with a syndicate by allowing the entry of foreign nationals without proper documentation, procedures or scrutiny,” he said.

Investigations are ongoing, with more arrests not ruled out. - September 16, 2025

Spotlight

Malaysia

Anwar congratulates Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected PM

Malaysia

Missing jewellery: Rosmah ordered to pay RM67.5 million

People

Malay kampongs in Bangkok: Echoes of southern heritage in Thailand’s capital

Opinion

Johor MB’s exclusionary rhetoric betrays the people, exposes UMNO’s political hypocrisy

Malaysia

Johor and NS polls first major test of post PAS-Bersatu political order

Malaysia

Claimed installation of 12th N. Sembilan ruler invalid - Pengelola Bijaya Diraja

Malaysia

4WD driver who drove backwards on highway nabbed, positive for drugs (video)

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Seven in ten Malaysian workers earn RM5k or less - economist

You may be interested

Malaysia

PAS cites unity and political stability in decision to end cooperation with Bersatu

Malaysia

Anwar warns global order lacks direction, calls for renewed international cooperation

Malaysia

Johor and NS polls first major test of post PAS-Bersatu political order

Malaysia

Ambulance carrying two injured men crashes en route to hospital after MPV collision in Besut

Malaysia

Scam fight enters new phase as police back MyDigital ID to combat rising online fraud

Malaysia

Economic strains from West Asia crisis must not fracture national unity, warns Fadillah

Malaysia

PAS to discuss position in PN with Gerakan, MIPP this week

Malaysia

BN banking on Malay vote strategy that delivered 40-seat Johor win, says analyst

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir