Migrant smuggling ring led by Indonesia-based mastermind busted

The migrants were temporarily housed at two properties before being smuggled out via illegal sea routes, said immigration director-general Zakaria Shaaban. (JIM pic)

PUTRAJAYA: The immigration department busted a migrant smuggling syndicate known as “Pade Ajak” following a series of raids in Kuala Selangor on Nov 11, said director-general Zakaria Shaaban.

He said investigations found that the syndicate had been operating since early 2023, with a network involving local agents in Malaysia and a mastermind based in Indonesia.

“The syndicate used social media platforms to offer to smuggle migrants in and out of the country through ungazetted routes, with fees ranging from RM1,500 to RM2,100 per individual.

“The syndicate’s total profit is estimated to have reached RM504,000 from the illegal activity,” he said in a statement.

Zakaria said the first raid was conducted at a premises used as a transit location for migrants before they were smuggled out to Indonesia.

He said the property, located next to a grocery store and a restaurant, was equipped with facilities like bathrooms and a kitchen to conceal the syndicate’s activities.

“The raid led to the arrest of nine Indonesians, comprising seven men and two women, aged between 20 and 45, as well as two male transporters – a Nepalese and an Indonesian,” he said.

Zakaria said a Toyota Innova used to transport migrants was also seized.

The second raid was carried out at a two-storey terrace house near the first location, which led to the arrest of six more Indonesians comprising three men and three women, aged between 22 and 40.

“Also arrested were two housekeepers – an Indonesian woman and a Nepalese man – as well as another 36-year-old Indonesian man, believed to be among the main masterminds and transporters of the syndicate,” he said.

Zakaria said initial investigations found that the undocumented migrants were temporarily housed at the two properties before being smuggled out via illegal sea routes around the waters of Kuala Selangor.

“Most of them admitted to seeking the services of the syndicate through social media accounts.”

He added that a Perodua Alza and a sum of cash, believed to be proceeds from payments made by several migrants, were also seized.

The department is currently tracking down the owners of the property, who are believed to have been in cahoots with the syndicate by renting out and allowing their properties to be used as collection centres for migrants entering and leaving the country illegally.

“The individuals will be investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007,” said Zakaria.