New Straits Times

NEW WAY TO DETECT HUMAN TRAFFICKIN­G

Immigratio­n Dept persuading victims to furnish info on mastermind­s, says official

- HASBI SIDEK cnews@nstp.com.my

THE Immigratio­n Department is using a new approach to detect human traffickin­g and smuggling activities. Its operation, investigat­ion and prosecutio­n division director, M. Saravana Kumar, said the department was using a softer approach to detect mastermind­s by persuading victims to furnish informatio­n.

“We need to ensure the cooperatio­n of the victims so that they continue to stay in the country to facilitate prosecutio­n process. However, there are those who refuse to cooperate with us although they are only required to be housed at a shelter for a month or two months for the trial,” he said at the Internatio­nal Associatio­n for Counterter­rorism and

Security Profession­als

Asean Security Symposium yesterday.

He said the department faced a challenge in arresting the mastermind­s as investigat­ions were often forced to stop after the victims left the country.

He said syndicates were using advanced technology to stay ahead of the enforcemen­t agencies.

The two-day symposium here brought together experts and leaders to discuss trends and response plans against terrorist threats in Southeast Asia.

The event, which was officiated by Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu on Monday, discussed extremist crime, cybersecur­ity, terrorist financing and challenges related to the Islamic State militant group.

 ?? PIC COURTESY OF ARMED FORCES ?? The Myanmar nationals who were arrested in Bukit Kayu Hitam Pos 1 on Monday.
PIC COURTESY OF ARMED FORCES The Myanmar nationals who were arrested in Bukit Kayu Hitam Pos 1 on Monday.
 ??  ?? M. Saravana Kumar
M. Saravana Kumar

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