Its director-general, Khairul Dzaimee Daud, said the department will cooperate with the police if any personnel were found to be involved in the money laundering activities carried out by the “Nicky Gang”.

On Tuesday, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador revealed that 34 enforcement personnel were suspected of having links with the organised crime syndicate, led by Liow, 33, a “Datuk Seri” and founder of Winner Dynasty Group.

“If, indeed, there are (immigration) personnel involved, we will not compromise,” Khairul Dzaimee said after an operation at Bukit Puchong here this morning.

Forty-three illegal immigrants, comprising 33 Indonesians and 10 Bangladeshis, were arrested during the operation at a hidden settlement that started at midnight.

“We believe the settlement was built six to seven years ago based on its condition, as well as the illegal electricity connections. The illegal immigrants moved to this area because they could no longer afford to pay their house rentals after losing their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Those detained, aged between 25 and 50, were found to have committed various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63, including overstaying and not having any valid identification documents.