Nibong tebal: The General Operations Force (GOF) has smashed a human trafficking syndicate led by three locals and a Myanmar national in two operations here and in Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang on Wednesday and Thursday.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, GOF Northern Brigade commander SAC Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh stated that 16 illegal immigrants believed to be Myanmar nationals, comprising nine men and seven women aged between 16 and 35, were detained. The first operation took place at the Jitra Toll Plaza southbound, conducted by the Intelligence Branch of the GOF Northern Brigade headquarters in cooperation with the Kubang Pasu Police headquarters around 4 am on Wednesday.
During this operation, police arrested two local men and a 16-year-old girl suspected of involvement in human trafficking and migrant smuggling, utilizing two vehicles - an MPV and an SUV. Further investigations revealed the illegal immigrants had entered the country via unregulated routes from neighboring countries.
Balveer Singh added that the two men in their 40s and the girl were believed to be 'transporters', using rented vehicles to move the foreign nationals. Notably, one of the men and the girl were identified as father and daughter. Interrogation disclosed that the suspects had been promised payment for transporting the foreign nationals and were believed to have been involved in such activities for the past eight months.
The authorities seized the MPV and SUV, 18 mobile phones, cash, and various jewellery items, with a total value exceeding RM254,030. Records indicated that two of the three suspects had prior criminal records, though they tested negative for drugs and other prohibited substances.
Following the initial arrests, a Myanmar man in his 30s, believed to be the syndicate leader, was detained in Nibong Tebal the following day. All four suspects were detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 for 28 days until February 11, while the foreign nationals were remanded for 14 days under the Immigration Act 1959/63 until January 28.
The case has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division of the Kubang Pasu Police headquarters. The four suspects are being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Act 2007, while the foreign detainees are being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Meanwhile, Balveer Singh reported that last year, 14 investigation papers were opened under the ATIPSOM Act, involving 17 men and one woman, with total seizures amounting to RM631,380. Under the Immigration Act 1959/63, 102 cases were recorded last year, involving 500 arrests, with total seizures exceeding RM1.3 million.