Malaysian immigration authorities have dismantled a human trafficking ring known as the “Iqbal Syndicate” and rescued 12 Bangladeshi nationals being held in captivity in a remote village.
The operation also uncovered illegal financial transactions totaling around RM 1.5 million.
The syndicate had been operating by converting an ordinary house into a temporary shelter and transit point. Victims were smuggled into Malaysia through unauthorised land routes along the Malaysia-Thailand border and held at the hideout until ransom was paid before being sent to their next destination, according to Malaysian media MyMetro.
Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, Director-General of the Malaysian Immigration Department, said the raid was conducted with the support of the Anti-Human Trafficking and Money Laundering Investigation Division and the Kelantan Enforcement Division. He explained that the house, locally known as a “Rumah Penampung”, was deliberately located in a remote area to avoid detection.
The rescued group included 11 men and one woman, aged between 18 and 54. A 27-year-old Rohingya from Myanmar, responsible for managing the shelter, was also arrested. Preliminary investigations revealed that all had entered Malaysia via an unauthorized route locally called the “Rat Path” within the past three days.
Intelligence indicates the syndicate has been active since early 2024, led by a Bangladeshi national named Iqbal, who reportedly coordinated operations from Thailand. Victims were charged between RM 10,000 and RM 15,000 each.
Authorities are also attempting to identify the local homeowner involved, who will face investigation under Malaysia’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670).
Datuk Zakaria added that officers followed the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators 2.0 during the raid to ensure no victims remained unaccounted for, and warned that the Immigration Department will continue to take strict action against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.