Datuk Seri ‘behind fake e-card syndicate’

PETALING JAYA: A Datuk Seri is believed to be the mastermind behind a syndicate producing fake e-cards (enforcement card) for illegals in Sabah.

Immigration director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali said the man, who is in his 60s, allegedly had that title.

“He was the mastermind behind the syndicate which produced fake documents for the registration and relocation of illegal foreign workers in Sabah.

“His activities were backed by a private company operating in Kota Kinabalu. The fake documents were sold to the illegals between RM1,100 and RM1,200 each.

“The registration was carried out by the company led by the Datuk Seri,” he added.

Mustafar said the publishing and produc- tion processes were handled by appointed agents in Kuala Lumpur before the cards were handed over to the illegals.

On Monday, the department raided the premises in Jalan Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, and arrested 11 Malaysians and three Filipinos on suspicion of being members of the syndicate.

They are being detained at the Kota Kinabalu Immigration Department depot and investigated under Sections 51(5)(b) and 56(1A) of the Immigration Act.

“The department would like to stress that it has no dedicated programme in Sabah to manage the registration of e-cards for illegals.

“It has never appointed or collaborated with any party or individuals to enforce the registration of e-card programmes in Sabah,” he said.