78 HAULED UP
Different states and different police operations but all with a singular purpose — stamping out human trafficking in the country. The warning goes out again that the police won’t just act against traffickers but also enforcement personnel who are in cahoots with them, as well as anyone who makes money from this vile trade.
The use of the AntiMoney Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (Amla) will help police widen the net to catch those who have gained financially from human smuggling activities.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay warned the public against being part of human smuggling syndicates.
“This is a very serious matter and we will not hesitate to use Amla as we have done in previous cases here.
“Police will freeze not only their bank accounts, but also those of their family members to help our investigations into such syndicates. This would be quite troublesome for them,” he told a press conference at the police district headquarters here yesterday.
Earlier, Comm Ayob and state police CID chief Senior Asst Comm Yusof Ahmad were at the Kota Tinggi court building where 51 members of a human smuggling syndicate, Geng Otong, were charged.
Comm Ayob stressed that police would find the remaining members of the group.
He said police would also focus on such operations on the west coast of Johor to curtail human smuggling activities there.
“The group still has some members left who are trying to take advantage despite us having arrested about 95% of their members, but we will keep a very close eye on them.
“It is important for the police, in taking such measures, to stop immigrants from entering the country through illegal means due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, but also to stamp out any individuals that might have connections to terrorism activities,” he added.
Meanwhile, Comm Ayob said police were in the midst of completing investigation papers on 18 enforcement officers, including 13 policemen, who were allegedly involved in human smuggling activities.
He added that the papers would be handed over to the Attorney General’s Chambers for further action.
Among those arrested last month in a crackdown on human trafficking was a policemen with the rank of Assistant Superintendent, who was stationed at one of the 13 district police headquarters in the state.
The June 15-18 operation led to the arrest of five Armed Forces personnel and 13 policemen, including two from the marine police, two from Bukit Aman and nine from the Kota Tinggi police station.