According to a source, one of the men was suspected of having conspired with a syndicate to facilitate the illegal entry of foreigners, using the “counter setting” method.

The two men, who are in their 30s, were arrested at the Negeri Sembilan MACC office, at 3am and 5.40pm yesterday, when they showed up to have their statements recorded, Bernama reported.

“One of them is believed to have conspired with syndicate agents to bring in foreigners, who arrived through KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

“They are believed to have received bribes from syndicate agents, in addition to arranging for special counters to release foreigners without going through proper checks at the airports,” the source was quoted as saying.

Both suspects were brought to the Seremban magistrates’ court this morning.

Magistrate Fairuz Syuhada Amran allowed the main suspect to be remanded for five days until Sept 23 while the other was remanded for seven days until Sept 25.

Negeri Sembilan MACC director Awangkok Ahmad Taufik Putra Awang Ismail confirmed the arrest of the two suspects when contacted and said the case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

Yesterday, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki was reported to have said that a senior immigration officer, believed to be the mastermind behind the “counter setting” operations, was among 60 individuals arrested on Sept 5.

The suspect, who has served 20 years with the department, is believed to have influenced over 50 officers to engage in irresponsible activities.