Latest news with #Anti-CorruptionTacticalSquad
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
MACC cracks down on scrap metal smuggling rings in five states
GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has dismantled multiple scrap metal smuggling syndicates across five states, uncovering a massive tax evasion scheme estimated at over RM950 million. The operation, conducted in collaboration with enforcement agencies, targeted businesses suspected of bribing officials to evade export taxes. Raids were carried out at 19 locations in Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, and Kedah under 'Op Metal.' The crackdown involved the MACC's Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Inland Revenue Board, and Bank Negara Malaysia. One of the first raids took place at a luxury bungalow in Batu Maung, believed to belong to a scrap metal company owner. Authorities searched the premises for evidence while the businessman was reportedly abroad. Another raid followed at a scrap metal processing site in Bukit Mertajam, where documents and materials linked to smuggling activities were seized. A source revealed that the syndicates exported scrap metal to countries like India and China but falsely declared shipments to avoid the 15% export tax. 'The syndicates are believed to have bribed enforcement officers to bypass inspections,' the source said. Over six years, this scheme allegedly caused RM160 million in annual tax losses, totaling RM950 million. MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the operation, stating that investigations are ongoing under anti-money laundering laws. Authorities are also probing potential involvement of public servants in protecting the syndicates. - Bernama
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Steely stand against smuggling
Swift and efficient: A MACC elite Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad member rounding up a worker during a raid at a scrap metal processing and storage facility on Jalan Bukit Minyak, Seberang Perai, Penang. – ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star GEORGE TOWN: For over six years, a well-organised smuggling syndicate has exported scrap metal to several countries, evading nearly RM1bil in export duty. The group falsely declared the cargo as machinery and other non-taxable metal goods to bypass the government's 15% export duty, with destinations including China, India and others. To execute the scheme, the syndicate is alleged to have bribed Customs Department officers, establishing a corrupt network that operated undetected for years. This illicit collaboration is estimated to have caused RM160mil in direct tax losses annually, with total projected losses exceeding RM950mil over six years. Sources said the syndicate operated its own scrapyard with storage and processing facilities, enabling it to collect, sort and prepare large volumes of scrap metal for export in-house. This full operational control allowed the group to manipulate documentation, conceal the true nature of the cargo, and coordinate shipments with minimal external scrutiny. Luck ran out for the syndicate yesterday when the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) launched a large-scale crackdown codenamed "Ops Metal", targeting 19 locations across Penang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Johor and Kedah. In Penang, media outlets, including The Star, were on the ground from as early as 5am to witness a high-profile raid at a luxury residence in Batu Maung. Clad in tactical gear, officers from the MACC's elite Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS) searched the multi-storey property for evidence linked to the smuggling and corruption ring. The operation centred on a prominent scrap metal company owner with a "Datuk" title. However, the suspect – believed to be a foreign national – was not at home, having reportedly left the country two days earlier. Only several women, believed to be his wife, mother and domestic helper, were present. The team then moved to a scrap metal storage and processing facility on Jalan Bukit Minyak, Penang mainland, believed to belong to the suspect. Around 30 workers were detained for questioning and later released after a man, thought to be the facility's supervisor, assured full cooperation with the investigation. No arrests were made across all 19 locations, though investigations remain active and the total value of seized assets has yet to be disclosed. MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the coordinated raids targeted manufacturers and companies suspected of large-scale tax evasion and bribery in scrap metal exports. The case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. Efforts are also ongoing to identify those involved, including public servants suspected of facilitating the illicit operations.
Malaysiakini
12-06-2025
- Malaysiakini
Armed MACC officers enter home of 'Tan Sri' amid sukuk probe
The MACC's armed tactical squad entered the home of a 'Tan Sri' who is a suspect in the probe into the alleged misappropriation of sukuk funds meant for a Klang Valley highway project. The Star reported that four vehicles from the Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS) were seen entering the property in Bandar Tasik Selatan at 10.50am, including two white vans, a Nissan Grand Livina, and a Honda City.
Malaysiakini
12-06-2025
- Malaysiakini
Armed MACC officers enter home of 'Tan Sri' amid sukuk probe
The MACC's armed tactical squad entered the home of a 'Tan Sri' who is a suspect in the probe into the alleged misappropriation of sukuk funds meant for a Klang Valley highway project. The Star reported that four vehicles from the Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS) were seen entering the property in Bandar Tasik Selatan at 10.50am, including two white vans, a Nissan Grand Livina, and a Honda City.
