Kuala lumpur: International tyre manufacturers are set to assist in the inspection and verification of approximately 18,000 tyres confiscated during Ops Grip, a recent operation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative aims to determine the legitimacy of the tyres seized during simultaneous raids at 23 sites across the Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor.

"Initial investigations revealed that the smuggled tyres comprised various categories, including new tyres that were not properly declared, used tyres, as well as retreaded tyres that did not meet safety standards," the source stated. The smuggling activities had reportedly been under MACC surveillance for about six months leading up to the operation.

Currently, no arrests have been made, with investigations continuing to focus on locating and confiscating other assets potentially acquired through money laundering activities. The source noted that the activities involved fraudulent import documents, such as false declarations concerning value, classification, or quality certificates, to minimize tax obligations.

On Monday, the MACC unveiled tyre smuggling operations and document falsifications related to imports and exports, which have reportedly resulted in a tax revenue loss of around RM350 million for the government since 2020. The raids targeted several companies within the tyre import business, including warehouses and tyre storage containers across the nation.

Following the operation, the MACC continues its efforts to address these illegal activities and prevent further revenue losses.