Malaysia's anti-corruption body searches for alleged S'pore mastermind of billion-dollar smuggling ring in Port Klang

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is searching for a Singaporean suspected of being the mastermind of a RM3.5 billion (S$1 billion) tax evasion scheme, according to Malaysian media.

The unnamed Singaporean is among three suspects involved in smuggling activities discovered at Malaysia's Klang Port and wanted by the Macc, Malaysian news agency Bernama reported.

At a press conference on June 9, Macc Chief Commissioner Azam Baki said Malaysian police would seek help from Singapore police in tracking down the suspect.

He said: “Our police have a cooperative relationship with the Singapore police, so if the individual is in Singapore, we will seek their assistance. »

The case does not require Interpol intervention at the moment, he added.

The Star reported June 7 that seven people, including a company director and three law enforcement officers, had been arrested for smuggling activities over the past decade and for helping cargo companies to avoid taxes.

They allegedly did so by making false declarations on customs forms to avoid taxes and import fees, which required clearances from multiple agencies.

The suspects – two women and five men aged between 30 and 50 – were arrested on June 6 at various locations around Port Klang by anti-graft officers as part of an ongoing operation dubbed “Ops Transit”. They were remanded in custody for three days.

According to Bernama, a Macc-led task force on June 5 arrested 19 container trucks suspected of transporting various types of contraband goods.

The Straits Times has contacted Singapore Police for comment.