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THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized gold jewellery valued at approximately RM2.3 million in connection with a widening investigation into a counter setting syndicate allegedly involving Immigration Department personnel.
The syndicate is suspected of receiving large bribes in exchange for facilitating the illegal entry of foreign nationals into the country without proper documentation.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the seized jewellery included gold bars, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings — all believed to have been acquired with illicit funds obtained through corruption.
“The total value of jewellery seized is RM2.3 million,” he told Harian Metro. Other items seized include seven vehicles, luxury branded handbags, mobile phones, a plot of land and various other assets.”
When asked about the arrest of a husband-and-wife duo allegedly involved in using bribe money to establish a gold shop, Azam confirmed investigations were ongoing. He said there was no confirmation yet as to whether other enforcement officers had bought jewellery from the couple.
According to the report, the couple — both believed to be Immigration Department officers — are alleged to have amassed hundreds of thousands of ringgit in bribes over four years, which they invested in a gold retail business with an estimated initial capital of RM600,000.
To disguise their involvement, the pair reportedly used the names of their child and sibling as proxies to register the business.
The illegal operation came to light during 'Op Rentas', a recent anti-corruption crackdown by the MACC targeting syndicates that bypass immigration procedures. The suspects allegedly received bribes of up to RM50,000 a month for each undocumented foreigner they allowed to enter Malaysia.
The amount of bribes reportedly varied depending on the number of foreign nationals released without adhering to proper immigration protocols.
As part of the investigation, the MACC has frozen 57 bank accounts — 48 belonging to individuals and nine to companies — totalling over RM2.7 million, all suspected to be linked to the syndicate. In addition, more than RM200,000 in cash was also seized. - September 14, 2025
