The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has exposed the lavish lifestyle of two low-ranking Immigration Department (JIM) officers, Grades KP22 and KP19.
Nearly RM800,000 in cash was discovered at their homes, suspected to be proceeds from illegal activities involving foreign nationals.
MACC Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, shared the details of the raids conducted in Pahang and Melaka, which uncovered large sums of cash hidden in the suspects’ homes, reported Kosmo!.
- RM518,250 was found in the bedroom of a senior female officer (Grade KP22) in Pahang, stored in luggage.
- RM248,443 was hidden under the bed of a male officer (Grade KP19) in Melaka.
For context, the monthly salaries of these officers range as follows:
- Grade KP22:Â RM2,200 – RM4,700
- Grade KP19:Â RM1,300 – RM4,000
Additional seizures
Besides cash, the MACC confiscated a range of valuable assets. These included vehicles, gold, jewelry, and watches, indicating a life far beyond their official incomes.
- US$9,900 (approximately RM41,990) and 5,470 Baht (RM696) were also seized.
- 22 vehicles were seized, including 9 cars and 13 motorcycles.
- 27 gold dinars, weighing 575.75 grams and valued over RM200,000, were taken from a senior officer in Negeri Sembilan.
- Over 75 pieces of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and earrings, were confiscated, along with 12 watches of various brands.
Bank accounts frozen
In addition to physical assets, the MACC has also frozen numerous bank accounts related to the syndicate. The accounts belong to companies and individuals connected to the illegal operations.
- 215 bank accounts belonging to 16 companies and 84 individuals have been frozen, with a total value exceeding RM3.6 million.
Syndicate mastermind arrested
The MACC also arrested a senior JIM officer, identified as the mastermind behind the counter setting syndicate. This officer, who was highly influential at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), controlled the activities of about 50 officers.
- The mastermind, a man in his early 40s, was arrested by the MACC on September 5 after attempting to flee when the operation began.
- He is expected to be charged in court by early October.
