MALAYSIAN authorities have uncovered a criminal syndicate offering illegal entry and blacklist-clearing services, exploiting systemic weaknesses and targeting vulnerable locals to facilitate sham marriages with foreigners.
"This syndicate is believed to be exploiting loopholes in the system and deceiving the public, particularly elderly Malaysians, for the purpose of fraudulent marriages with foreign nationals," Sinar Harian cited Director-General of Immigration Datuk Zakaria Shaaban saying on Saturday.
The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) conducted a special operation in the Putrajaya area last Thursday following two weeks of intelligence gathering and tip-offs from the public, ultimately exposing the modus operandi of the group.
Officials warned that the syndicate's activities not only violate national laws but also undermine the integrity of Malaysia’s immigration control systems.
"If left unchecked, this activity has the potential to open the door to international criminals, human trafficking, and various other security threats," Zakaria stated.
Of particular concern to authorities is the involvement of Malaysian citizens in aiding the operation, which Zakaria said highlighted the complexity and cross-border nature of the criminal network.
According to department figures, JIM has conducted 6,913 operations since January this year, resulting in 26,326 arrests for a range of immigration-related offences.
These statistics, Zakaria noted, underscore the severity of the issue and the ongoing commitment of enforcement agencies to tackling immigration crimes.
As of 3 July, JIM has reached 70 per cent of its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the year—an achievement Zakaria attributes to the effectiveness of ongoing operations.
In response to the latest revelations, he affirmed the department’s resolve to intensify surveillance and enforcement at all national entry points.
"Such measures are vital to ensure the country’s sovereignty is not compromised and the integrity of our immigration system is maintained," he said.
Cases of this nature present a significant challenge for the government and JIM alike in their efforts to dismantle immigration fraud syndicates and uphold Malaysia’s national security. - July 6, 2025
