KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) investigation under Op Sikaro has so far found that 14 companies under probe hold valid licences to import cigarettes.
According to a source, investigations revealed that all the companies involved possessed valid import licences. However, further investigations are still ongoing.
“A total of 14 individuals linked to the companies have had their statements recorded, including company directors and representatives.
“So far, raids and searches conducted have not uncovered any evidence pointing to the use of counterfeit tax stamps, but investigations are continuing,” the source said today.
The source added that the tobacco, cigarette, and cigar smuggling syndicate was found to have made false declarations during the import process by using incorrect customs codes or altering item details.
It was previously reported that MACC launched Op Sikaro to curb tobacco, cigarette, and cigar smuggling syndicates, which are estimated to have caused more than RM250 million in tax revenue losses to the country between 2020 and 2024.
In the operation, MACC investigated 14 companies and recorded statements from at least 10 individuals, including company directors and representatives believed to be part of the smuggling network.
The syndicate was detected using false declaration tactics during the import process, such as altering customs codes or item details, before concealing cigarettes and tobacco in private warehouses to be distributed in the local market.
The operation also saw cooperation with the Customs Department, Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), leading to several premises being raided in the Klang Valley and Johor, as well as the freezing of bank accounts belonging to related companies and individuals amounting to about RM218 million.
Investigations are also not ruling out the possibility that the syndicate is linked to armed forces officers arrested during Op Sohor on Aug 14, indicating the existence of a more complex protection network.
MACC Special Operations senior director Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin said that investigations are being conducted under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001).
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
