Immigration Department Conducts Raids to Dismantle Smuggling Syndicate in Johor
In a significant crackdown on human smuggling operations, the Immigration Department of Malaysia executed a series of enforcement raids across multiple locations in Johor on May 28, 2025. This operation led to the dismantling of a smuggling syndicate known as “Dedi,” resulting in the arrest of its leader and several accomplices.
Details of the Operation
The raids, which took place in Kukup, Skudai, and Batu Pahat around 10 PM, were the culmination of three weeks of thorough investigation and intelligence gathering. Datuk Zakaria, the director-general of the Immigration Department, reported that authorities apprehended a total of nine Indonesian nationals and two local individuals, all aged between 25 and 47.
Among those arrested was the alleged mastermind of the operation, an Indonesian man known by the nickname “Dedi,” along with two other Indonesian men believed to be key operatives within the smuggling ring. Each individual involved in the smuggling operation reportedly charged RM2,100 (approximately USD 500) to facilitate the illegal entry of Indonesians into Johor.
Roles and Arrests
In addition to the primary suspects, the enforcement team also detained two local women suspected of acting as transporters and managing the venues used for the smuggling operations. Furthermore, five Indonesian men and one Indonesian woman were arrested during the operation. Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the Indonesian men had overstayed his visa, while the others lacked legal documentation or residence permits.
The operation yielded significant evidence, including the seizure of eight mobile phones, two Indonesian passports, RM1,173 in cash, a Naza Citra sedan, and a boat believed to have been used for transporting illegal immigrants.
Safe Houses and Ongoing Investigations
Authorities discovered that the smuggling group had been operating for approximately six months, utilizing hotels as safe houses to conceal illegal immigrants from detection while they awaited transport in and out of Malaysia.
Datuk Zakaria emphasized the Immigration Bureau’s commitment to combating human smuggling operations to protect national sovereignty and security. All individuals arrested during the operation have been transferred to the Setia Tropical Detention Camp, where they will be held while investigations proceed under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, as well as Section 6(3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The Immigration Department’s proactive measures reflect a broader strategy to address and dismantle human trafficking and smuggling networks operating within the region, ensuring the safety and security of Malaysia’s borders.