In an incredible operation by the Immigration Department of Sarawak, 12 Indian nationals were successfully rescued from the clutches of a notorious human trafficking syndicate. The raids, carried out from August 19 to 22, also led to the arrest of the syndicate’s mastermind, a 40-year-old local man known as Dudley, along with four other members aged between 25 and 40.
The victims, who had fallen prey to this heartless syndicate, were forced to hand over exorbitant sums of money ranging between RM20,000 and RM25,000 for securing their illegal entry into Malaysia. The syndicate utilized deceitful tactics by luring victims with lucrative job promises on a ship before transporting them to Malaysia via the KL International Airport (KLIA) and subsequently sending them to Miri and Sibu in Sarawak.
The Immigration director-general, Datuk Ruslin Jusoh, revealed that the syndicate had been operating since May last year, inflicting untold suffering on countless innocent individuals seeking a better life. This successful rescue operation is a testament to the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating human trafficking and ensuring justice for the victims.
During the operation, various items were confiscated, including RM600 in cash, 75 Indian passports, seven Indonesian passports, three Myanmar passports, four laptops, and three vehicles. The mastermind has been remanded for one week, while the four other suspects, all Indian nationals, are being held at the Semuja Immigration depot. The rescued victims have been provided shelter at an Immigration safe house, where they will receive the care and support they desperately need.
This daring raid serves as a reminder that illegal activities will not go unpunished, and the Immigration Department encourages the public to step forward with any information that can aid in the crackdown on human trafficking syndicates. By working together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals who fall victim to such heinous crimes.
It is crucial to acknowledge the cooperative efforts of the Immigration Department and other law enforcement agencies, whose coordinated actions have successfully dismantled this particular syndicate. The rescue of these 12 individuals marks a significant step forward in the ongoing battle against human trafficking.
The fight against human trafficking demands constant vigilance, and the authorities are committed to bringing justice to those involved in these despicable operations. By ensuring the perpetrators face the full extent of the law, society sends a strong message that such atrocities will not be tolerated.
