After a year of intelligence gathering, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has dismantled a smuggling syndicate allegedly masterminded by senior officers from the Malaysian Armed Forces and operating in southern Malaysia.
The operation, codenamed Ops Sohor, was carried out by MACC’s Intelligence Division with assistance from its Tactical Unit (ACTS).
According to sources, the raids began at 6:30 a.m. today across the Klang Valley, leading to the arrest of five senior military officers and five other individuals — including an Indonesian national — aged between 30 and 55.
“These officers were from the Armed Forces Intelligence Unit, including two former personnel. They were tasked with monitoring and curbing smuggling activities but are believed to have been working with the syndicate for the past five years, allegedly receiving over RM3 million in bribes,” the source said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the five senior officers, believed to be the main suspects, leaked military operational information to smugglers and collaborated with a crime syndicate to bring contraband such as drugs and cigarettes into Malaysia from a neighboring country. The illicit trade is estimated to be worth RM5 million monthly.
“It is believed they received bribes of RM30,000 to RM50,000 for each smuggling operation,” the source added.
During the raids, enforcement teams seized more than RM63,000 in cash, several packets of drugs, weighing and measuring equipment, alcoholic beverages, and imitation firearms.
The network run by these high-ranking officers was described as extensive and complex to dismantle. An Indonesian woman without valid travel documents — believed to be the mistress of one of the officers — was also arrested.
MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi confirmed the arrests, stating that investigations are being conducted under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.
He stressed the importance of taking the matter seriously as smuggling activities pose a threat to national security.
“Despite having various agencies monitoring and taking action, smuggling activities still persist,” he said.
All suspects will be brought to the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court tomorrow for a remand application under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code.