Under scrutiny: A Bangladeshi linked to a counter setting syndicate pleaded not guilty to soliciting bribes at the Session Court in Butterworth. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
BUTTERWORTH: Following a Bangladesh national being charged over his alleged involvement in a counter setting syndicate for foreign workers, investigations into the broader operations of the syndicate will continue.
A source from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said further arrests could be made as graft busters intensify their probe.
Yesterday, Alif Khan – believed to be an agent working for the syndicate – was charged in a Sessions Court here.
The 35-year-old claimed trial to soliciting a bribe of RM2,000 from Indonesian Endang Ristawati as an inducement to assist her in removing her name from the Immigration Department’s blacklist.
The offence allegedly took place on Oct 17 between 9.20pm and 9.45pm outside a hotel on Penang Road in George Town.
The charge under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009 carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of either five times the bribery amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if convicted.
MACC’s deputy public prosecutor Afiqa Liyana Rozman requested the court not offer bail as the case is serious and a threat to national security.
However, she said that if the court allows bail, then it should be the maximum amount with two sureties.
She also told the court that the accused should be considered a flight risk and could flee the country.
Defence counsel Lim Sheng Zhe, however, asked the court to offer bail to his client as he had cooperated with the authorities.
Sessions Court judge Zulhazmi Abdullah denied bail and fixed Nov 20 for case mention and submission of documents.
It was reported earlier that a Bangladeshi, believed to be an agent, was arrested after he had allegedly solicited a RM2,000 bribe from an Indonesian woman.
Following Alif’s arrest on Oct 17, two Immigration officers – a male and a female, both in their 40s – were detained on Oct 18 after their statements were recorded at the state MACC headquarters.
It was believed the officers had conspired with the Bangladeshi to allow the entry of an Indonesian citizen without the requisite immigration checks.
The officers were released after their three-day remand order expired.
