The Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) say they will not compromise with smugglers.
Citing the latest arrest of 34 Customs officers at KL International Airport (KLIA) Cargo suspected of being involved in the smuggling of vehicle spare pars and contraband items, Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said they will not just act against these corrupt officers but also ensure the lost revenue is returned to the country’s coffers.
The corrupt practices is suspected to have been going on since 2017, constituting more than RM2 billion of losses in tax revenue.
Azam warned that those in cahoots with corrupt civil servants would also be made to pay. “We will make them return the money, including through payment of taxes that they avoided paying before.”
The MACC had also arrested an additional 27 persons including business owners in connection with the case through a special operation codenamed Samba 2.0.
Azam said a taskforce comprising the MACC, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Bank Negara was set up to investigate the case, adding that it was on the case for six months before the arrests were made.
“These officers were involved with inspection and prevention. The officers, who we believe have received bribes from companies and forwarding agents, would let the goods go without inspection or declaration.
“Even if they did carry out an inspection, it would not be thorough,” he added.
Thus far, the investigation has revealed that the Customs officers received RM4.7 million from a syndicate to facilitate the smuggling of vehicle spare parts, chewable tobacco, cigarettes, liquor, and health products.
231 bank accounts with more than RM17 million belonging to the suspects were also frozen by the MACC’s anti-money laundering division.
“We are not involving the Customs Department in this case to avoid any conflict of interest,” he added.
