Two customs officers are among 11 suspects arrested in an operation targeting an international wildlife trafficking network.
The syndicate allegedly bribed officers to ignore wildlife-related contraband and sell them instead, said the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC).
WJC supported the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in the operation, with assistance from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in Thailand.
The syndicate bribed customs officers and freight forwarders to take wildlife contraband from a Customs warehouse and sell it after faking its destruction, according to the WJC.
The syndicate is also suspected of involvement in money laundering.
Eleven male suspects, including two Customs officers, have been arrested and are currently being questioned.
Approximately 1.8 tonnes of pangolin scales and luxury vehicles worth over US$5 million (RM22.71 million) have been seized.
The WJC commended MACC’s dedication to fighting corruption and its quick response to intelligence.
This operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in combatting corruption related to wildlife trafficking.
The WJC’s mission is to disrupt and dismantle wildlife trafficking networks through intelligence analysis and undercover investigations.
They aim to help law enforcement secure arrests and convictions and hold governments accountable for their action or inaction in this matter.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
