The Immigration Department in Malaysia has dismantled a syndicate trafficking foreigners disguised as athletes after detaining 21 Bangladeshi nationals in Maluri, Kuala Lumpur.
Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said three of those arrested are believed to be key members of the syndicate, reports Malaysian news agency Bernama.
“Two of the men apprehended had temporary employment visit passes (PLKS), while the third had overstayed his visa. All three are aged between 21 and 33,” he said.
"The team also confiscated 18 Bangladeshi passports, RM990 in cash, and a suspicious invitation letter for a sports competition, along with the event schedule,” he said.
The syndicate's modus operandi involved bringing in foreigners, particularly from Bangladesh, and having them pose as athletes in sports attire to evade detection by authorities.
“They also booked return flights to Bangladesh and rooms in budget hotels in Kuala Lumpur a day before the supposed match to deceive authorities,” he added.
The syndicate reportedly charged between RM2,000 and RM5,000 per person and has been operating for the past four months.
All 21 detainees have been taken to the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for suspected offences under Sections 6(3), 15(4), and 56(1)(l) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, as well as Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
