20 nabbed over issuing of fake citizenship documents

Police have arrested 20 individuals, including a National Registration Department (NRD) officer who is suspected of being involved in the issuance of fake birth certificates and identity cards.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamed (photo, above) said the suspects who were arrested in Penang on Aug 19 comprised 17 locals, two Chinese nationals and an Indian citizen.

“The suspects aged between 32 and 70, are agents, middlemen, sponsors and holders of fake identity cards, birth certificates and Malaysian passports.

"Police seized various items, including 38 mobile phones, 34 passports, five copies of birth certificates, 58 copies of passports and cash," Huzir said in a statement tonight.

He said investigations revealed that the syndicate agents would hunt for foreigners seeking citizenship and the process would be handled by an individual based at Penang NRD.

Huzir said the syndicate was believed to have received between RM100,000 to RM600,000 from foreigners and investigations were ongoing to nab the remaining syndicate members.

All the suspects are being remanded for 28 days for investigations under Section 4 (5) of the Sosma Act 2012.