KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has crippled a smuggling syndicate allegedly led by senior Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) officers operating in the country’s south, believed to have amassed more than RM3 million in bribes.
Sources said the arrests were made through Ops Sohor by the MACC Intelligence Division at its headquarters, with assistance from the Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS).
Five senior military officers and five civilians — including an Indonesian woman aged between 30 and 55 — were detained around the Klang Valley from 6.30am today.
The raids were based on intelligence gathered over the past 12 months.
“The senior officers are from the MAF intelligence division, including two former members of the same unit.
“They were tasked with monitoring and curbing smuggling activities, but allegedly colluded with the syndicate for the past five years and are suspected of collecting over RM3 million in bribes,” the source said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the main suspects allegedly leaked military operation information to smugglers and worked with the syndicate to bring in contraband items — including drugs, cigarettes, and other goods from neighbouring countries into Malaysia — with a total estimated value of RM5 million a month.
The officers are believed to have received between RM30,000 and RM50,000 per smuggling trip.
“More than RM63,000 in cash, packets of drugs, weighing equipment, liquor, and imitation firearms were seized during the raids,” the source added.
The smuggling network involving these senior military officers is described as large-scale and difficult to uncover.
Meanwhile, an undocumented Indonesian woman — believed to be the mistress of one of the senior officers — was also taken into custody.
MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the arrests, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.
He stressed that such operations must be taken seriously as the smuggling activities could threaten national security.
“Even with multiple agencies monitoring and taking action, smuggling still occurs,” he said.
All suspects will be brought to the Putrajaya Magistrates’ Court tomorrow for a remand application under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code. – August 13, 2025