KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration department rescued a Tanzanian victim in its recent crackdown on a human trafficking syndicate on Jan 29.
Its director-general, Datuk Ruslin Jusoh, said the operation utilised an early investigative approach to identify the human trafficking victim based on the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators (NGHTI) 2.0.
"The operation team located a residential apartment used by the syndicate members. A 32-year-old Tanzanian woman was arrested, suspected of acting as a pimp and abusing her Student Pass system.
"A 29-year-old Tanzanian, promised employment by a syndicate facilitating her entry, is believed to be a victim of exploitation. She was controlled by members of the syndicate, also Tanzanian nationals, and was exploited as a sex worker, with her passport held and retained against her will.
"The woman was rescued and placed in a protective home under the Interim Protection Order (IPO)," said Ruslin in a statement today.
The operation was carried out by a team of officers and members from the Putrajaya Headquarters Research Operation Unit of the Prevention Division of Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) and Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA).
Ruslin said the department had initiated an investigation under the Aptisom 2007 Act 670.
"We will continue to collaborate with the embassy of the concerned country in tracking down masterminds and other syndicate members related to information on human trafficking activities among these nationals.
"The identified modus operandi of the syndicate includes promising job opportunities, including educational opportunities in Malaysia. Additionally, syndicate members frequently relocate from one luxury residence to another to avoid detection by authorities.
"We take this matter seriously and will continue enforcement operations, taking strict action against anyone found violating the Atipsom Act," he said.
Upon conviction, individuals involved could face a maximum prison term of 30 years or life imprisonment and may also be subjected to caning for more severe human trafficking offences.
"Moreover, legislation stipulates that employers, employees, or agents committing offences under the Aptisom Act may face heightened penalties," he added.
Ruslin advised members of the public to continue providing information to the Malaysian Immigration Department or contact the hotline at 03-8000 8000, enabling legal action to be taken in the effort to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling crimes.