JOHOR BARU: Police have dismantled a syndicate following the arrest of 13 individuals, including seven foreigners, involved in selling counterfeit Malaysian permanent resident cards to immigrants.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk M Kumar said the suspects, aged between 27 and 44, were apprehended during a series of raids in Kulai, Seri Alam, and Kajang between Saturday (Nov 16) and Monday (Nov 18).
"During the raids and checks conducted, police successfully arrested 13 individuals, comprising six locals and seven foreigners, for their alleged involvement in distributing and selling fake Malaysian permanent resident cards.
"In addition to the arrests, police also seized several pieces of equipment used by the syndicate to produce the counterfeit cards," he said in a statement on Thursday (Nov 21).
Comm Kumar added that among the items confiscated during the raids were nine fake Malaysian permanent resident cards, one counterfeit identification card, and one fake marriage certificate.
He said police also seized three fake government agency logo stamps, nine passport-sized photographs, 10 mobile phones, two computer systems, a laptop, two printers, a rubber stamp-making machine, a laminating machine, and several sheets of paper used to manufacture the counterfeit cards.
Comm Kumar said that investigations revealed the group had been active since September this year, charging RM7,000 per card to their customers, who were illegal immigrants.
"The suspects detained had various roles in the operation, including producing the counterfeit cards, distributing them, and acting as buyers.
"Initial investigations suggest the syndicate operated independently, without involvement from other groups or any government agencies," he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Sections 468 and 471 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 24(1)(e) of the National Registration Rules 1959.
Comm Kumar also mentioned that investigation papers were submitted to the deputy public prosecutor's office on Wednesday (Nov 20), and two local suspects are set to be charged at the Kulai Magistrate’s Court later Thursday (Nov 21).
"The remaining local suspects will serve as prosecution witnesses, while investigations are ongoing against the foreign suspects. Their case files will soon be handed over to the deputy public prosecutor's office for further instructions," he added.
