SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICER DETAINED
Suspect provided fake dept stamps to aid smuggling of Indonesians, says Johor top cop
ASENIOR Immigration officer has been arrested in connection with investigations into migrant smuggling activities in Johor.
Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the suspect, a 50-year-old woman, held the position of assistant director in the department.
“She was arrested at her office on Wednesday afternoon. She is the most senior enforcement officer to be arrested in the probe,” said Ayob yesterday.
He said as per the syndicate’s modus operandi, the suspect was responsible for providing fake Immigration stamps to facilitate the smuggling of Indonesians, whose social visit passes expired before the implementation of the Movement Control Order.
“The arrest was made following the interrogation of three Immigration officers, who were arrested on June 23.
“The case is being investigated under Section 26A of the AntiTrafficking in Persons and AntiSmuggling of Migrants Act 2007. We are also using the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 in the investigation,” said Ayob.
A total of 23 enforcement agency personnel, comprising 14 police, five armed forces and four Immigration personnel, had been arrested in Johor in relation to the investigation.
“The investigation will continue and if there is new information, more arrests will be made.
“If some senior officers think that they are untouchable or above the law, they are mistaken. If they are involved, we will take action.
“We will not compromise on this matter.”