The syndicate, which is believed to have pocketed RM400 million since it started operating in 2012, is suspected of smuggling subsidised diesel overseas and paying off enforcement officers to keep its operation going.

“Whether they (the three enforcement officers) are detained or not is still uncertain, but the investigation is ongoing,” Harian Metro quoted MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki as saying.

Two siblings who run a petrol station were remanded today to assist in the investigation.

Magistrate Romaroi Jonoi granted a four-day remand for the 40-year-old man until Aug 29, while his sister, in her 30s, was remanded for one day until tomorrow.

Yesterday, a raid on an oil storage depot for fishermen in Sungai Bidut, Sarawak, led to the arrest of five people and the seizure of 1.6 million litres of diesel.

Also confiscated were two barges docked at the depot, 30 oil tanks and RM3.7 million in cash.

Azam had said yesterday the barges were loaded with a total of 260,000 litres of misappropriated diesel meant for fishermen.