Latest news with #Jafri
The Star
6 days ago
- The Star
Cops bust illegal gambling hub for migrants
SERDANG: Authorities have uncovered an illegal online gambling hub catering primarily to undocumented migrants, operating out of three units in a four-storey apartment block in Pusat Bandar Putra Permai. The centre was busted during a joint raid by the Immigration Department, Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) and the General Operations Force on Tuesday. Immigration deputy director-general (operations) Jafri Embok Taha said preliminary investigations revealed that the units were registered under the names of three local individuals. 'When officers arrived, the premises were already empty. It's believed the suspects had fled, leaving behind only a few tablets, monitors, chairs and tables. 'We've handed over the case to MBSJ for further investigation and action,' he said during a press conference after the raid. All three units were equipped with CCTV cameras to monitor external movement and catered primarily to undocumented migrants residing in the same apartment block. Jafri said 496 undocumented migrants were sent to the Semenyih Immigration Detention Centre after 741 foreigners were rounded up during the operation, which took place from 10pm to 1am. 'The suspected offences involve the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, Immigration Regulations 1963 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007,' he told Bernama. He said similar joint operations would continue and reminded the public not to employ, shelter or accommodate foreigners without valid travel documents.
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Klang cafeteria doubles as GRO hub, 12 foreigners arrested in raid
KLANG: The operations of a premises disguised as a cafeteria but secretly offering the services of foreign guest relation officers (GRO) were exposed during a raid here last night. Immigration Department Deputy Director-General (Operations) Jafri Embok Taha said 12 women suspected to be foreign GROs were detained in the Op Gegar raid at 6pm. Initial investigations revealed that the premises also functioned as a transit point for these women to offer sexual services to interested customers. He said the premises opened as early as 2pm, believed to be part of the modus operandi used by the owner to avoid detection by the authorities. "During the raid, there were attempts to flee. Some foreigners even pretended to be locals to confuse the enforcement team. "There were also provocations from locals claiming to be boyfriends or employers of the GROs, merely to mislead the enforcement officers," he added. The raid was conducted by the Selangor Immigration Intelligence and Special Operations Unit following intelligence work based on public complaints. According to information received, Jafri said customers seeking sexual services were charged between RM800 and RM1,200 for the acts. He added that GROs who did not engage in sexual services were free to mingle with customers at the premises, which also offered karaoke facilities. "The foreign nationals detained include nine Vietnamese women, one Indonesian woman, one Myanmar woman, and one Myanmar man, all aged between 19 and 40. "They have been held at the Semenyih Immigration Depot to assist investigations under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63," he said.
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- New Straits Times
496 illegal immigrants nabbed in Seri Kembangan night raid [WATCH]
SERDANG: Thunderous knocks on doors by authorities during a joint operation at the Putra Permai Selesa apartment in Seri Kembangan last night sent illegal immigrants into a panic. Some went as far as hiding in the ceilings, while others tried his luck behind curtains to avoid arrest. The chaos during the integrated operation, which began at 10pm, caught the attention of residents. Some even stepped in to assist enforcement personnel by pointing out units believed to be housing undocumented foreigners. A long-time resident, who has lived in the apartment complex for 12 years, welcomed the enforcement action. "The number of foreigners has been increasing, and it's become a problem. "They throw rubbish everywhere, get into fights, and make the place dirty," he said. Several foreigners refused to come down from their hiding spots in the ceiling, prompting officers to climb up and physically extract them. One person sustained minor injuries after falling during a failed escape attempt. The operation, involving 217 personnel from seven enforcement agencies, led to the arrest of 496 illegal immigrants out of 741 foreigners inspected. Malaysian Immigration Department deputy director-general (Operations) Jafri Embok Taha said the joint operation involved officers from the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Immigration Departments, the General Operations Force, Civil Defence Force, Subang Jaya City Council, and the National Registration Department. Those detained, aged between two months and 60, comprised nationals from Myanmar, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, Cambodia, and Nepal. The bulk of the detainees were 275 men, 80 women, and 30 children from Myanmar, followed by Indonesians (37 men and 25 women). "Others included foreigners from Bangladesh (15 men), Pakistan (13 men), Thailand (three men and one woman), Cambodia (one woman and two children), and Nepal (14 men). "They were detained for various immigration offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63, including overstaying, lacking valid documents, violating pass conditions, and possessing unrecognised cards. "All of them will be placed at the Semenyih Immigration Depot for investigation and further action," he said at a press conference. The department also uncovered three residential units being used as online gambling dens, believed to be operated by locals but employing and serving foreigners. Jafri reminded the public not to harbour, hire, or protect undocumented migrants, warning that doing so could lead to legal repercussions. He urged those with information about illegal immigrants to come forward. As part of ongoing efforts to manage undocumented migrants, the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 is available from May 19 to April 30 next year. "The programme allows foreigners to voluntarily return to their home countries for a compound fine of RM500 and a special pass fee of RM20. He said the programme is available at four Selangor immigration offices, namely, Shah Alam, Kelana Jaya, Port Klang, and Kajang. Previous Next
The Sun
16-07-2025
- The Sun
Illegal online gambling den raided in Serdang, 496 undocumented migrants detained
SERDANG: A joint operation led by the Immigration Department, Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), and the General Operations Force uncovered an illegal online gambling den operating from three units of a four-storey apartment in Pusat Bandar Putra Permai. The raid, conducted late last night, found the premises abandoned, with only equipment such as tablets, monitors, and furniture left behind. Immigration deputy director-general of operations Jafri Embok Taha confirmed that the units were registered under local individuals based on utility bills. 'The suspects had fled before the raid. The case has been handed over to MBSJ for further action,' he said. The setup included CCTV cameras to monitor movements, targeting undocumented migrants (PATI) as customers. During the operation, 741 foreigners were inspected, with 496 detained for various immigration offences. They were taken to the Semenyih Immigration Detention Centre. 'Violations include breaches of the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, and Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act 2007,' Jafri added. He also highlighted the ongoing Migrant Repatriation Programme (PRM) 2.0, allowing undocumented migrants to return home by paying RM520 (RM500 compound + RM20 special pass fee). The programme runs until April 2026, with four PRM centres in Selangor. - Bernama
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Immigration dept busts illegal online gambling dens in Serdang apartment raid
SERDANG: The Immigration Department busted three residential units operating as illegal online gambling centres during an integrated operation at the Putra Permai Selesa apartment in Sri Kembangan last night. Immigration Department deputy director-general (Operations) Jafri Embok Taha said the discovery was made while officers were inspecting units suspected of housing undocumented migrants. "These premises were operating from residential units, which were converted into gambling dens. "The activities were carried out behind closed doors and away from public view," he said in a press conference after the operation. He said the units were believed to be operated by locals, but the employees and customers found inside were foreigners, many of whom are suspected to be illegal immigrants. "Our checks on electricity bills for the units showed that the accounts were registered under Malaysian names, further suggesting local ownership. "However, the individuals operating the systems and those found inside were all foreigners," Jafri added. He said the discovery would be referred to the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) for further investigation and enforcement action. The illegal gambling dens were uncovered during Op Bersepadu, which began at 10pm and involved 217 officers from various enforcement agencies, including the Immigration Department, General Operations Force, Civil Defence Force, MBSJ and the National Registration Department. The operation led to the arrest of 496 illegal immigrants out of 741 foreigners inspected. Jafri said the department would continue working closely with other agencies to track and shut down illegal activities, especially those involving foreigners misusing residential properties. "These operations are part of our continuous efforts not just to detain illegal immigrants, but also to uncover criminal activities that may be taking root in residential areas," he said. He also urged the public to report any suspicious activities involving foreigners or illegal businesses operating within their neighbourhood to the authorities.
