Migrant Smuggling Syndicate Busted, 12 Detained In Setapak Raid

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- Police uncovered a human smuggling syndicate operation using a homestay as a transit location after raiding an apartment unit in Setapak and detaining 12 foreign nationals.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Division principal assistant director SAC Soffian Santong said the raid conducted at 9 pm was based on intelligence and information received.

"The four detained, comprising three men and one woman, aged between 22 and 31, are believed to be members of the Geng Roni syndicate, suspected of acting as agents, land-based transporters (tekong darat) and caretakers at the transit house.

"The eight remaining detainees, comprising four Indonesian nationals and four Bangladeshi nationals, aged between 27 and 41, including two women, were migrants attempting to leave the country for Indonesia using unauthorised routes," he said in a statement today.

Soffian said initial investigations indicated the syndicate had been actively operating for the past three months, advertising their services on social media and charging between RM1,000 and RM1,700 per migrant for their services.

The case is being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, and Section 15(1)(c) of the same Act.

-- BERNAMA