A SOPHISTICATED international visa forgery ring, operating under the name ‘David Lawrence’ and charging up to RM20,000 per fraudulent document for travel to Europe, has been dismantled by the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department (JIM).
Deputy Director of Immigration (Control) for Kuala Lumpur Marina Habibon said today the successful operation was the result of three months of intelligence work by the JIMWPKL Enforcement Division’s Intelligence Sector.
“The ‘David Lawrence’ syndicate was orchestrated by a Bangladeshi husband-and-wife duo in their thirties and is believed to have been active for the past eight months.
“They processed counterfeit international visas for clients in Bangladesh before sending the documents to Malaysia via international courier for falsification to facilitate travel to Europe,” she stated today.
Acting on intelligence leads, authorities conducted a raid on 10 February at a residence in Sungai Besi, which served as the syndicate’s operational base.
“Several Bangladeshi passports, counterfeit foreign stamps, suspected fake immigration slips, mobile phones, laptops, and various other equipment used in these activities were seized,” Marina said.
On 23 February, both suspects were charged in the Kuala Lumpur Court, pleading guilty to nine counts.
The court imposed a total fine of RM112,000. After failing to pay the fine, the pair were sentenced to 45 months in prison. Upon completing their sentences, they will be deported to Bangladesh and barred from re-entering Malaysia.
“Tough action will continue to be taken against any party involved in document forgery and immigration law violations under the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155) and related regulations,” she added. - February 25, 2026
