Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Immigration Department has dismantled a migrant smuggling syndicate known as the 'Sojul Gang' following the arrest of two male transporters, one local and one foreign national, during an operation in Kuchai Lama.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban announced that the operation, which began at approximately 1:30 pm, resulted in the arrest of 20 illegal immigrants. These individuals are believed to have been smuggled into Malaysia through an illegal entry point in Kelantan.

The initial raid occurred in a supermarket parking lot, where the Immigration team intercepted a four-wheel drive (4X4) vehicle and a sports utility vehicle (SUV), leading to the apprehension of eight foreigners. Subsequently, the enforcement team raided a nearby condominium, assumed to serve as a safe house, where 12 Bangladeshi men were arrested. These men were reportedly awaiting transport to the south of Malaysia and the Klang Valley.

The syndicate has allegedly been active since December of the previous year. Their modus operandi involved transporting migrants through third countries before illegally entering Malaysia via the Kelantan border. Migrants were charged RM12,000 each, with the syndicate's operations reportedly generating up to RM1.2 million over two months.

Among the 20 detained illegal immigrants, aged between 18 and 49, one is a Myanmar national, and the remaining individuals are Bangladeshis. The operation also led to the seizure of two vehicles, several Bangladeshi passports, and cash totaling RM82,100 and USD3,700, approximately RM15,600.

All suspects are currently detained at the Putrajaya Immigration Depot for further investigation under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Act 2007, the Immigration Act 1959/63, and the Passport Act 1966.