Fly syndicate thumbs nose at EAIC probe, operates with impunity

Fly syndicate thumbs nose at EAIC probe, operates with impunity

B Nantha Kumar
Published: Aug 12, 2025 8:35 AM
Updated: 12:14 PM


Summary

• Despite an ongoing investigation by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC), a syndicate involved in falsifying immigration records continues to operate, with a Johor businessperson known as “DK” believed to have handed control to his younger brother, “E”.

• Allegations of collusion within the Immigration Department persist, with reports of unequal treatment in investigations and internal probes, while key figures in the syndicate reportedly remain protected.

• An ongoing investigation by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has failed to deter a syndicate involved in smuggling foreign nationals into the country.

A Johor businessperson known as “DK” is believed to remain connected to the illegal operation, though sources told Malaysiakini he has stepped back from direct involvement, handing control to his younger brother, who now oversees the “fly” syndicate.

In July this year, Malaysiakini broke the news about the syndicate, which falsifies immigration status by having officials clear the records of foreigners who stay in Malaysia beyond their visa limit or who are blacklisted.

This was done by falsifying entry and exit stamps and immigration records.

Immigration officers allegedly enter false passport data into official systems, aided by runners who deliver handwritten passport details, and later authorise documents using fake immigration stamps.

“He’s confident because he’s protected by powerful individuals within the government,” claimed an immigration source in Johor, referring to operations at both immigration, customs, and quarantine (ICQ) complexes in Johor Bahru.

In October last year, Malaysiakini reported that DK was one of three key figures in the syndicate, alongside individuals known as “Tok Yah” and “Adik”. Tok Yah, a government officer holding a senior position in an enforcement agency, was said to act as the group’s “godfather”. DK was said to be the mastermind, while Adik acted as the “runner” who connected clients to the syndicate.

Malaysiakini has not published their full names pending official responses. However, their identities have been submitted to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail for the authorities to investigate.

MACC chief Azam Baki, meanwhile, stated that he has never heard of the said individuals.

The case, however, is under investigation by the EAIC. DK is understood to have given testimony relating to the group’s alleged abuse of medical visas to enter Malaysia.

The EAIC is a statutory body that oversees 21 government enforcement agencies to prevent misconduct related to integrity.


‘E’ takes over

Meanwhile, a local agent told Malaysiakini that after DK was summoned by the EAIC, his younger brother, known as “E”, took over management of the operation. DK is reportedly focusing on other “business” interests.

“So now, he’s letting his brother run the foreign workers’ syndicate,” said the source who claimed to have previously worked with DK.

Meanwhile, a source from the Immigration Department in Putrajaya told Malaysiakini that officers within the department who are colluding with the syndicate remain untouchable, despite being “detained with solid evidence”.

According to the source, the media have not reported on this, despite numerous arrests reportedly having been made.

They also highlighted the double standards in treatment between arrested government officers and agents.

Malaysiakini was made to understand that on June 17 this year, two agents and one immigration officer were detained with 100 foreign passports. On June 30, two officers and one “runner” were arrested with 65 foreign passports.

However, the first case was taken up by the MACC, while the second case - allegedly linked to DK - was only referred for internal immigration investigation.

“Same modus operandi. Officers caught with clear evidence.

“But one is investigated by the MACC, the other only by immigration’s internal probe,” the source said.

Meanwhile, an MACC source confirmed to Malaysiakini that the commission is only investigating the first case involving an agent known as “Apek”.

“We’re looking into Apek’s case at the Immigration Department’s request, while for the second case on June 30, the department informed us that they would be handling it internally,” the source added.

Malaysiakini has been contacting the Immigration Department since July 7 to confirm the details and allegations of unequal treatment, but as of the time of writing, no response has been received.

Malaysiakini has also contacted DK and is awaiting his response to the allegations.