Preliminary investigations found that the trio allegedly received bribes ranging from RM50,000 to RM60,000 for each foreign worker registration application that was processed, reported Berita Harian.

A source said the operation was carried out by the MACC intelligence division to expose a syndicate allegedly involving immigration officers who colluded with foreign agents to register foreign workers in violation of official procedures.

The other two individuals arrested were a company manager and a foreign national.

According to the source, the five suspects – three men and two women, aged in their 20s and 40s – were detained between 11am and 2.30pm in Putrajaya and Kelantan.

“All the suspects are believed to have committed the offences between 2020 and 2021,” said the source.

“The main focus of the operation was to curb corruption among public servants and dismantle the syndicate’s network.”

MACC intelligence division senior director Idris Zaharudin confirmed the arrests. The case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 for giving or accepting gratification.

The suspects have been remanded for seven days until June 30 to assist in the investigation.

The remand order was issued by magistrate Amin Rashidi Ramli following a request by MACC at the Kota Bharu magistrates’ court earlier this morning.