August 18, 2025
PETALING JAYA – Some entrepreneurs and social media influencers have been recruited by crime syndicates as a front for laundering drug money.
“They try to stay below the radar by using legitimate businesses to justify their lavish lifestyle. In truth, all of it was derived from drug trafficking,” Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan (pic) told The Star recently.
The Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director said that so far, assets exceeding RM1mil have been seized following the arrest of a cosmetic entrepreneur and an influencer.
“We detained a 34-year-old man who runs a cosmetic business in Terengganu in April. We also seized cars and jewellery worth RM981,500,” said Comm Hussein.
Another arrest was made in June involving a 34-year-old female influencer from Kelantan. In this case, the police seized assets valued at RM1.12mil, which included nine luxury cars, along with drugs estimated to be worth RM6.16mil.
As the police dug deeper, they discovered that there is a trend among drug syndicates using what appeared to be legitimate businesses to launder money.
“We will follow the money trail, and we will use the fullest extent of the law to ensure the culprits are brought to justice,” added Comm Hussein.
“The NCID has identified other business owners and influencers suspected of being involved in the drug trade.
“We will continue to collect actionable intelligence and monitor such individuals.
“Those who used online platforms to sell drugs are definitely on our radar.
“We will conduct coordinated operations on drug syndicates to weaken their networks and financial capabilities.”
It is not difficult to differentiate between a legitimate business and a money laundering outfit.
Comm Hussein said genuine ones would have consistent sales and income in line with the scale of the business.
“They will also use official financial channels and adhere to regulations.
“On the other hand, businesses that collude with drug syndicates often show outrageous wealth and tend to favour cash transactions. Such dodgy business owners will not be directly involved in the operation.
“Fortunately, the trend of using fronts for narcotics is still under control,” he added.
Comm Hussein revealed that a cosmetic business is attractive to drug syndicates because it can generate high profit margins.
In addition, such a business is not heavily regulated and has the convenience of trading on social media and e-commerce sites.
Comm Hussein stated that the NCID was able to trace illicit funds through intelligence gathering and by monitoring the lifestyles of business owners.
“If needed, we also work closely with Bank Negara Malaysia, the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to obtain the full picture of the syndicate’s financial data,” he said.
Comm Hussein also proposed measures to curb the trend of using businesses and influencers as a front for drug trafficking.
“Strict checks on business licences are needed, including verifying the background of company owners. More control should be imposed on e-commerce sites, especially involving the sales of cosmetics online.
“We will step up enforcement, especially on business owners and influencers involved in money laundering for drug syndicates.
“No one is above the law. Those who are using cosmetic, food or logistic businesses to hide drug trafficking activities will be uncovered eventually. Rest assured, they will face justice,” he said.
Between 2020 and 2025, a total of 145,849 drug traffickers were detained.
Meanwhile, the NCID needs public cooperation to fight the drug menace.
“We urge those with information on any drug-related offences to contact the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222,” said Comm Hussein.