Malaysian authorities have dismantled the ‘Geng Herman’ migrant smuggling syndicate following a raid on two guesthouses and a budget hotel used as transit points. The operation, carried out around 12:30 am, led to the arrest of 15 Indonesian nationals, including eight men and seven women aged 22 to 53.
The arrests were made by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Smuggling unit of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department. Investigators revealed that migrants looking to enter Malaysia were required to pay agents in Indonesia between RM1,800 and RM2,000. The syndicate operated across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Melaka, using guesthouses and budget hotels to house and feed migrants before smuggling them via sea routes.
Senior Assistant Commissioner Soffian Santong stated that those arrested had various roles, including agents, transporters, and transit housekeepers. All detainees have been handed over to the Sungai Buloh district police for further action.
The case is being investigated under multiple immigration and anti-trafficking laws, including Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Smuggling Act 2007 and Sections 6(1)(c) and 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1956/63. Authorities continue to crack down on illegal migrant smuggling networks in the region.