Forty foreign nationals were detained by the Immigration Department during a raid on a three-storey luxury bungalow in Persiaran Ritchie, Desa Pahlawan, on Thursday, following allegations of immoral activities.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the department said the operation was carried out after receiving information from the public and conducting two weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Among those detained was a Chinese national believed to be the mastermind behind the operation. Authorities also arrested 11 Chinese men, 19 Chinese women, five Vietnamese women, two Myanmar women and two Japanese women, aged between 21 and 43.
Bungalow Modified To Avoid Detection
Investigators found that the bungalow, located in an upscale residential area, had been modified with various facilities and altered rooms. The premises were allegedly used as a base for immoral activities and strategically situated in a luxury neighbourhood to evade enforcement scrutiny.
According to the department, a Chinese male worker, described as a “salesman”, was responsible for sourcing clients through online platforms. He reportedly targeted foreign nationals and local Chinese clients exclusively.
“The rates charged were RM1,000 for 45 minutes and RM3,500 for 90 minutes,” the department said, adding that the syndicate is believed to have been operating for approximately six months.
Some Held Valid Passes, Others Without Documents
Preliminary checks revealed that the alleged mastermind and one Chinese male possessed valid employment passes. Six other Chinese men, 19 Chinese women, two Japanese women and five Vietnamese women were found to be holding social visit passes.
However, several others were discovered to have no valid travel documents or passes.
All detainees have been brought to the Putrajaya Immigration Office for further investigation and action.
In addition, a Singaporean man and a local individual were served notices to attend the Immigration Office to assist in the investigation.
The department reiterated that it will continue to take firm enforcement action against any individuals or syndicates found to be violating Malaysian laws.
