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 11 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

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