Johor Immigration assistant director nabbed in migrant smuggling probe

An assistant director at the Johor Immigration Department has been arrested as part of investigations into migrant smuggling activities in the state.

Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the suspect is a 50-year-old woman.

“She was arrested at her office on Wednesday afternoon. She is the most senior enforcement officer to be arrested in the probe,” said Ayob Khan in a press conference today.

He said the officer is suspected of providing false Immigration stamps for syndicates to smuggle in Indonesians whose social visit passes expired before the implementation of the Movement Control Order.

“The arrest was made following the interrogation of three immigration officers arrested on June 23.

“The case is being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007. We are also using the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 in the investigation,” said Ayob Khan.

To date, 23 enforcement agency personnel in Johor have been arrested in the investigation, comprising 14 police, five Armed Forces and four Immigration personnel.

“The investigation will continue and if there is new information, more arrests will be made.

“If there are senior officers who think they are untouchable or above the law, then they are mistaken. If they are involved, then we will take action and will not compromise on this matter,” said Ayob Khan.