Immigration goes on offensive against fake e-PLKS syndicate

KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department has adopted an offensive approach to dismantle the root of a syndicate producing fake electronic Temporary Employment Visit Passes (e-PLKS) and suspected fake police reports.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the approach was reflected in Ops Serkap, which uncovered the syndicate's activities at 11 premises in Jalan Chan Sow Lin here on Monday.

"Immigration is no longer merely defensive, but is taking an offensive approach to cripple the syndicate at its source.

"The Home Ministry's leadership is firm in dismantling this chain of fraud at its roots without compromise," he said in a Facebook post today.

Saifuddin said 40 enforcement officers from the Immigration Department's Enforcement Division at its Putrajaya headquarters raided the 11 premises simultaneously.

A total of 30 foreigners were detained, including 11 Bangladeshis — 10 men and a woman — who were suspected of operating the premises.

The remaining 19 comprised 16 Bangladeshis, a Myanmar national and two Indonesians, who were detained for various immigration offences.

He said enforcement officers seized 18 laptops, 21 printers and scanners, three mobile phones and 10 Bangladeshi international passports.

They also seized printed copies of suspected fake e-PLKS and police reports.

"The suspected fake e-PLKS were offered for RM150 each, while the suspected fake police reports were sold for RM70 each," he said.

Saifuddin said the fake documents were believed to have been used to deceive embassies in applications for Bangladeshi international passports.

He said the government was committed to ensuring a clean immigration system, strengthening controls at the country's entry points and protecting the local labour market from exploitation by illegal syndicates.

"Malaysia is not a playground for criminals. Any foreigner or local who attempts to violate the law, forge documents or conduct illegal activities will be tracked down, arrested and brought to justice," he said.

Earlier, Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the operation, which began at 12.50pm on Monday, targeted premises suspected of offering fake e-PLKS preparation services.

He said further investigations were being conducted to identify the syndicate's modus operandi and other parties who may be involved.

All those detained were placed at the Putrajaya Immigration Depot under Section 51(5)(b) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for further investigation.

The case is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passports Act 1966, Immigration Regulations 1963 and other relevant laws.