PUTRAJAYA, April 3 — The Malaysian Immigration Department has successfully busted a migrant smuggling ring known as “Geng Ashraf”, which is believed to have earned approximately RM2.4 million since it began operating in January 2025.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the syndicate smuggled foreign nationals through third countries into Malaysia via Kelantan, and then transported them to the Klang Valley for distribution to various destinations.
“Charging up to RM8,000 per smuggled migrant, the syndicate is estimated to have made around RM2.4 million in profits since it started operating,” he said in a statement today.
He said 27 Bangladeshi men, believed to have been smuggled into Malaysia, were arrested in a raid on a house used as a hideout and transit point for illegal migrants in Ampang at 12.40am.
He said initial reports indicated that the migrants had entered a neighbouring country about three days ago before being smuggled into Malaysia.
“Three Bangladeshi men, suspected syndicate members acting as facilitators and guards of the transit house, were also arrested,” he added.
Zakaria said that all the migrants, aged between 20 and 49, have been detained at the Putrajaya Immigration Depot for investigation under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670).
He emphasised that the Immigration Department will take strict action against anyone found to have violated the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, Immigration Regulations 1963, or Act 670. — Bernama
