ORGANISED CRIME GROWING MORE SOPHISTICATED, SAYS MACC CHIEF

PUTRAJAYA, April 2 (Bernama) -- Crime is becoming increasingly complex and organised, with syndicates now leveraging technology and professional networks to conceal illegal activities, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. 

He said the involvement of certain professionals, including lawyers and accountants, enables criminal groups to “legalise” proceeds of illicit activities through the formal financial system.

“Without these professionals, it would be difficult for criminals to channel illegal funds into legitimate systems,” he said at the opening of the Malaysian Enforcement Agencies’ Special Task Force (MATF) engagement session at the MACC headquarters today.

Citing several high-profile cases, including electronic waste and fuel smuggling, as well as counter-tampering syndicates, Azam said corruption remains the key enabler allowing such operations to persist.

“Without corruption, these syndicates would not be able to survive. Without internal protection, they would not be able to operate for such a long time and systemically,” he said.

He added that modern crime has evolved into a cross-sectoral and cross-border challenge, involving multiple layers such as enforcement, logistics and financial networks.

“What we have uncovered so far is only the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface, many more syndicates, networks and activities have yet to be fully detected.

“This issue has become a cancer within the national system. If not addressed aggressively and in an integrated manner, it will continue to erode national revenue, damage institutional integrity and weaken the overall economy,” he warned.

Azam therefore urged all stakeholders, particularly enforcement officers, to strengthen integrity and adapt to evolving challenges, especially amid economic pressures that could contribute to rising corruption and crime.

He stressed that a siloed approach to enforcement is no longer effective, calling instead for a more coordinated and comprehensive strategy through platforms such as MATF.

-- BERNAMA