KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 231 bank accounts linked to a smuggling syndicate involving more than RM17 million have been frozen, says Malaysia Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Azam revealed this at a press conference earlier today where he confirmed the arrest of 34 customs officers suspected of being involved in the smuggling of contraband items resulting in more than RM2 billion in losses for the country.
He added that the smuggling of tobacco, cigarettes, and liquor was made through Kuala Lumpur International Airport Cargo, Sepang.
Azam said the Inland Revenue Board and Bank Negara Malaysia will seek the return of the the money loss through tax avoidance.
In total, RM17,621,578.50 was frozen from the 231 accounts, which included mule accounts.
The customs officers involved include those from Grade 19 (assistant enforcement officers) to 44 (assistant director) officers.
Azam said the officers involved allegedly received bribes in exchange for allowing cargo to pass through without checks.
"These Customs officers were found to have received bribes totaling over RM 4.7 million from syndicates to facilitate the smuggling of chewing tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol, health products, and vehicle spare parts.
"An examination of import documents (K1) involving the syndicate-owned importing companies indicate the government has lost between RM1.5 billion to RM2 billion in revenue over two years."
However, Azam said as the syndicate has been active since 2017, the loss of revenue could well exceed RM2 billion.
MACC also arrested 27 people and business owners involved in the smuggling following a six-month investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act for corporate liability.
The arrests were made by the MACC's Anti-Money Laundering unit following Operation Samba 2.0, which was carried out in collaboration with the LHDN and BNM beginning March 11.
The syndicate's modus operandi includes utilising forwarding agents as intermediaries for payments to enforcement officers to clear the smuggling of liquor, cigarettes, tobacco, and other goods without declaration and the necessary inspections into the country.
The syndicate is also believed to use dummy accounts for bribery transactions with complicit civil servants.
The syndicate was discovered to be involved in money laundering by passing money through shell companies, business accounts, money changers, and licenced money lenders