KL Immigration Busts Syndicate Using Sleep-Induced Children for Begging
Major Breakthrough in Kuala Lumpur: Immigration Raid Exposes Inhumane Syndicate
KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department’s Kuala Lumpur branch has made a significant breakthrough in curbing illegal activities by crippling a syndicate that exploited foreigners and children for begging in the city. This shocking discovery was made during a raid at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah on Tuesday (June 25) night.
Uncovering the Inhumane Tactics
Children as young as 10 months to six years old were found to be victims of this heart-wrenching scheme. These innocent children were administered a sleep-inducing medicine before being taken to beg on bustling streets such as Jalan Chow Kit, Jalan Masjid India, and Jalan Sentul every morning. This tactic was employed to garner public sympathy, thereby increasing the syndicate’s profits.
The Raid: A Closer Look
During the raid on a four-storey shophouse building at approximately 9 PM, immigration officers discovered several bottles of cough medicine in the residence rented by the involved foreigners. The building was densely populated, housing foreign nationals from Pakistan, Indonesia, and India. Around eight people, including children, were crammed into a small room, paying a monthly rental of RM800.
Multifaceted Criminal Operation
In addition to the begging syndicate, the raid also exposed a passport forgery operation running under the facade of various legitimate businesses. Laundry shops, telecommunication stores, and barber shops were being used as fronts for these illegal activities. The back part of these premises served as the syndicate’s office, concealed from the prying eyes of the authorities.
Inside the Forgery Den
Dozens of passports with suspected fake stamps were uncovered during the raid. These illegal documents were likely used to facilitate the syndicate’s operations and help its members avoid detection by law enforcement.
Statement from Immigration Authorities
Kuala Lumpur Immigration director Wan Mohammed Saupee Wan Yusoff revealed that the raid, which concluded around midnight, was the culmination of six months of meticulous intelligence work carried out by his team.
“79 foreigners and one local man, aged between 10 months and 59 years, were detained,” Wan Mohammed Saupee said in a statement on Wednesday (June 26). He detailed the breakdown of detainees as follows: 77 Pakistan nationals, including 44 men, 22 women, four male children, and seven female children, one Indonesian woman, one Indian woman, and one local man.
Legal Proceedings Underway
All detainees have been taken to the Bukit Jalil Immigration Depot. They are currently being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Passports Act 1966. This raid marks a significant victory for the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department in their ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal syndicates and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Community Reactions and Future Actions
The public has expressed a mix of shock and relief following the raid. Many have taken to social media to commend the Immigration Department for their diligent work in exposing and apprehending the perpetrators. Local community leaders are calling for increased vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities to prevent such inhumane practices from recurring.
A Call to Action
This operation underscores the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement agencies. It is crucial for residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Such collaboration can significantly aid in the timely intervention and dismantling of illegal syndicates that prey on vulnerable individuals.
Conclusion
The Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department’s successful raid has not only brought a nefarious syndicate to justice but also highlighted the ongoing battle against human exploitation. This case serves as a grim reminder of the lengths to which criminals will go to exploit the vulnerable, and the need for continuous vigilance and robust law enforcement to protect those who cannot protect themselves.