Malaysia Fires Immigration Officers Working with Crime Syndicate

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On Tuesday, the Malaysian government announced it had fired 15 immigration officers after they allegedly helped international crime syndicates sabotage online passport checks, allowing travelers to move freely in and out of the country.

According to The Associated Press, the regular issues with the online passport checks system raised the suspicion of officials at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and Immigration Director-General Sakib Kusmi said the sabotage had likely been going on since 2010.

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Kusmi also said the incidents were likely orchestrated by foreign agents. The accused officers helped the crime syndicates hack the system, which would allow human trafficking or even the movement of militants without being detected.

In addition to the 15 officers being fired, another 22 have faced disciplinary action, and the investigation continues as the government said it was questioning an estimated 100 officers in total.

Police in Malaysia have reported that they identified the local mastermind behind the security breaches, and announced that the authorities will begin making arrests soon.

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