IGP: More will be hauled up
Dozens of officers identified for colluding with human traffickers
KUALA LUMPUR: Dozens of police and Armed Forces personnel have been identified for colluding with human smuggling syndicates, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.
A massive operation to “bring them in” was being carried out, he said, adding that those on the payroll of the syndicates would pay for their crimes.
“We are not showing off and we are sincere in taking action against the bad apples.
“They are not mere fall guys or sacrificial lambs, they are deeply entrenched within the syndicates.
“Those who chose to align themselves with human trafficking syndicates will be dealt with,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Abdul Hamid said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Affendi Buang had been briefed on the matter.
In an operation between June 15 and 18, Johor police arrested 18 enforcement personnel believed to have been aiding more than one human smuggling syndicate since 2017.
State police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said some personnel were being paid by the syndicates which had been using the east coast of Johor to conduct
their activities.
“We believe that at least one of the personnel involved received a payment of RM10,000 in cash for one successful smuggling,” he said.
Those arrested were five Armed Forces personnel and 13 policemen, with two from the marine police, two from Bukit Aman and nine from the Kota Tinggi police station.
One of the policemen arrested is holding the rank of Assistant
Superintendent of Police and was stationed at one of the 13 district police headquarters in Johor.
Meanwhile, Jen Affendi said the Armed Forces would not compromise with any officers or personnel found to be involved in criminal activities.
“We must be firm and stern on this matter as the actions of the culprits had tarnished the image of the Armed Forces.
“We leave it to the authorities to take further action against those who are involved directly or indirectly with the syndicates,” he said.
Jen Affendi added that the arrests of those found to be colluding with the syndicates showed the effectiveness of Ops Benteng.
“It shows the cohesiveness of enforcement and security agencies in strengthening the country’s border security while improving transparency and integrity among military personnel and officers in fulfilling the duties entrusted upon them,” he said.