Immigration Busts Pade Ajak Syndicate Led By Indonesian Man Active Since 2023

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-NSTP FILE PICKUALA LUMPUR: An Indonesian man believed to be the mastermind behind the "Pade Ajak" migrant smuggling syndicate has been arrested following a series of Immigration Department raids in Kuala Selangor on Nov 11.
The syndicate had been active since early 2023, operating for more than two years with a network involving agents in Malaysia and a main organiser based in Indonesia.
The Immigration Department said the syndicate used social media to offer smuggling services for migrants through uncharted sea routes, charging between RM1,500 and RM2,100 per person.
The group is believed to have earned an estimated RM504,000 from its illegal activities.
The 36-year-old suspect was arrested along with several other Indonesian nationals during the operation, which was carried out by officers from the department's Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) and Anti-Money Laundering (Amla) divisions, as well as the Intelligence and Special Operations Division at its Putrajaya headquarters.
In the first raid, officers stormed a premises operating behind a grocery shop and eatery that doubled as a transit point for migrants before they were smuggled to Indonesia.
Nine Indonesians — seven men and two women aged between 20 and 45 — were detained, along with two male transporters from Nepal and Indonesia.
A Toyota Innova used to move the migrants was also seized.
The second raid, conducted at a two-storey terraced house nearby, led to the arrest of six more Indonesian migrants — three men and three women aged between 22 and 40 — as well as two caretakers: an Indonesian woman and a Nepalese man.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the migrants were temporarily housed at the premises before being smuggled out through illegal sea routes off Kuala Selangor.
Many admitted to engaging the syndicate's services via social media.
Immigration also seized a Perodua Alza and a sum of cash believed to be payments from the migrants.
The department is now tracking down a local property owner suspected of renting out and allowing the premises to be used as a collection point for illegal entry and exit.
The case is being investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670).
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the department remains committed to combating all forms of migrant smuggling and human trafficking, and will take firm action against anyone involved — including syndicates, employers, or premises owners who aid or harbour illegal immigrants.
He advised the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to migrant smuggling or human trafficking through the department's official complaint channels. - NST

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