THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has successfully dismantled a smuggling syndicate masterminded by senior Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) officers operating in the south of the country through Ops Sohor.
The operation was conducted by the Intelligence Division, MACC Headquarters with the assistance of the Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS).
According to sources, five senior military officers and five civilians including an Indonesian citizen aged between 30 and 55 were arrested around the Klang Valley since the operation was launched at 6.30am this morning.
“The senior officers are from the ATM intelligence division including two former ATM members from the same division. They were assigned to monitor and curb smuggling activities, but they are believed to have colluded with the smuggling syndicate for the past five years and are suspected of having collected bribes amounting to more than RM3 million,” said the source.
Initial investigations found that five senior officers who are the main suspects are suspected of leaking information about military operations to smugglers and colluding with a syndicate to bring in prohibited goods such as drugs, cigarettes and other items from neighboring countries into Malaysia, all of which involve a total value of approximately RM5 million per month.
“The suspects are believed to have received bribes amounting to between RM30,000 and RM50,000 for each smuggling trip carried out,” he said.
The raid early this morning was carried out by the Intelligence Division through Op Sohor based on intelligence information obtained over 12 months.
A total of more than RM63,000 in cash, several packages of drugs, weighing and measuring equipment, liquor, and imitation weapons were also found at the premises of the raid and all of them were seized.
According to sources, the smuggling network involving senior military officers was large and complex to dismantle.
Meanwhile, an Indonesian woman who did not have valid travel documents was also arrested during the raid, and is believed to be the mistress of one of the suspected senior military officers.
MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, when contacted, confirmed the arrest and that the case was being investigated under section 16 (a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.
He stressed that this operation should be taken seriously by all parties because it involves smuggling which can affect national security.
“Although we have various agencies to monitor and take action, smuggling activities still occur,” he said.
He added that all suspects will be brought to the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court tomorrow for a remand application under section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code. – August 13, 2025
