February 3, 2026
KUALA LUMPUR – A migrant smuggling syndicate known as the “Sojul Gang” has earned RM1.2mil despite only beginning their operations last month.
It is learnt the syndicate provided services to bring in foreigners into the country via illegal routes.
“Initial investigations revealed that the syndicate had been active since December, offering to smuggle foreign nationals into Malaysia via third countries before entering illegally through Kelantan.
“The migrants were then transported to the Klang Valley before being sent to specific destinations nationwide,” Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said.
He said the syndicate is believed to have charged RM12,000 per migrant for the service and is estimated to have earned around RM1.2mil since it began operations.
The syndicate’s operation came to an end after the department conducted a series of raids in the city leading to the arrests of 22 individuals, including two suspected transporters.
Zakaria said the transporters were two men – a Malaysian and a Bangladeshi – who are believed to be key members of the syndicate.
“The operation began at about 1.30pm when enforcement officers intercepted a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a sports utility vehicle at a supermarket parking area along Jalan Kuchai Lama.
“Checks on the vehicles led to the arrest of six Bangladeshi men, a Bangladeshi woman and a Myanmar man, all believed to have been smuggled into the country,” he said.
Following the arrests, officers carried out a follow-up raid at a condominium unit in Kuchai Lama, suspected to be have been used as a hideout and transit house for the syndicate.
“Twelve Bangladeshi men, aged between 18 and 49, were arrested at the premises.
“They were believed to have recently arrived from a neighbouring country and were waiting to be transported to several destinations in the Klang Valley and southern states,” he added.
Immigration officers also seized two vehicles, several Bangladeshi passports, RM82,100 in cash and US$3,700 (RM14,593).
Those detained have been placed at the Putrajaya Immigration depot for investigation under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Atipsom), the Immigration Act 1959/63, Immigration Regulations 1963 and the Passport Act 1966.
“We will continue to take action against any individual or syndicates involved in offences related to immigration, passport misuse and migrant smuggling,” Zakaria said.