MELAKA, May 16 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) have arrested three senior policemen on suspicion of accepting protection money in Melaka.

According to The Star Online, the trio were based in Melaka Tengah and Jasin, with two holding the rank of Assistant Superintendent while a third is a police inspector.

The anti-graft body said the three cops are accused to accepting money over an extended period of time in exchange for turning a blind eye to illegal gambling dens and massage parlours operating in the areas.

The MACC is seeking the assistance of a former OCPD who refused to be co-opted into the arrangement, The Star Online added.

The report also stated that an illegal gambling den operator and a middleman who solicited, collected and distributed the protection money among allegedly corrupt policemen in the state were also arrested during a sting operation that took place on Friday.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki who confirmed the arrests to news portal said all five suspects will be remanded in court tomorrow.