KUALA LUMPUR: A migrant smuggling syndicate has been crippled with the arrest of 22 people, including two suspected transporters, in a series of raids here. Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the suspected transporters detained – a Malaysian and a Bangladeshi – are believed to be key members of the "Sojul Gang" smuggling syndicate. Immigration officers also seized two vehicles, several Bangladeshi passports, as well as RM82,100 and US$3,700 (RM14,593) in cash, he said. All those detained have been placed at the Putrajaya Immigration Depot for further investigation under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) Act 2007, the Immigration Act 1959/63, Immigration Regulations 1963 and the Passport Act 1966. "We will continue to take firm action against any individuals or syndicates involved in offences related to immigration, passport misuse and migrant smuggling," he added.

Source: The Star February 02, 2026 11:45 UTC