Hunt continues for mastermind of Iqbal migrant smuggling ring

Hunt continues for mastermind of Iqbal migrant smuggling ring

KOTA BARU: Investigations into a human trafficking syndicate known as the ‘Iqbal’ group are ongoing, with efforts ramped up to track down the ringleader and remaining members, said Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.

He said the department has yet to locate a man known as Iqbal, who is believed to be the mastermind of the syndicate.

“The investigation on the Iqbal case is still in progress.

“The Immigration Department is working closely with relevant enforcement agencies, both domestically and abroad, to ensure enforcement actions are carried out in a comprehensive, integrated and effective manner,” he said.

DISYORKAN UNTUK ANDA :

Utamakan Kebajikan Warga KL, Bukan Pilihan Raya Datuk Bandar – Gulam Muszaffar

He said intelligence operations to identify and locate the remaining members of the syndicate are being actively pursued.

“Current intelligence-gathering efforts are focused on mapping the full network of the Iqbal syndicate, including tracking and identifying all individuals involved in bringing migrants into the country through illegal routes.”

Zakaria said operations against the Iqbal group, as well as other human trafficking syndicates, would be intensified and sustained.

“The Immigration Department remains fully committed to tracking, dismantling and crippling syndicates such as ‘Geng Iqbal’ and other cross-border crime networks.

DISYORKAN UNTUK ANDA :

Jangan Jadi Penghasut: Isu Tanah Kampung Melayu Majidee Bukan Bahan Politik Murahan

“Strategic cooperation with enforcement agencies will continue to be strengthened, particularly in intelligence sharing and joint operations, to curb all forms of illegal activities,” he said.

He said the department would not compromise in its fight against human trafficking and border-related crimes, which pose serious threats to national security and public safety.

The Iqbal syndicate was dismantled during a special operation targeting illegal human trafficking on Jan 17 following intelligence and public tip-offs.