A source said the anti-graft agency arrested five men and two women for their alleged involvement in the syndicate during an operation conducted at several locations around Port Klang yesterday evening.

Apart from three enforcement agency officers, a company director and three employees at the company were also arrested.

They were ordered to be remanded for three days by magistrate Irza Zulaikah Rohanuddin at the Putrajaya magistrates’ court today.

“The syndicate is believed to have made false declarations in customs forms to evade paying taxes,” said the source.

“The syndicate’s mastermind is a Singaporean citizen who is currently abroad on vacation with his family.”

The source also said 19 containers containing various imported goods were seized during an operation conducted by MACC and the customs department on Wednesday.

Five of the containers were opened and found to contain various types of dutiable goods such as LED lights, solar lights, and canned pork products.

However, the containers were declared to be transporting imported goods such as wheelchairs and textiles to avoid paying taxes.

The estimated gross value of the 19 containers seized, including taxes, is RM10 million.

The source said certain goods did not have the required import permits from agencies such as the Energy Commission and the Malaysian quarantine and inspection services department.

The source added that MACC has frozen nine bank accounts as part of its investigation.

MACC deputy chief commissioner Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the probe and said the case is being investigated under Section 17(b) and Section 16(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

He said MACC will also investigate the case under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla).