Selangor: The Selangor Immigration Department has uncovered a new tactic used by syndicate members who impersonate immigration officers to deceive employers, claiming they can secure the release of foreign workers detained during enforcement operations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Immigration director Khairrul Aminus Kamaruddin revealed that the syndicate operates as a 'middleman', exploiting unsuspecting employers during every enforcement operation. These scammers misuse the Immigration Department's name by contacting employers and posing as Selangor immigration officers.

The syndicate's modus operandi involves requesting payment through the Touch 'n Go application or in cash, under the pretext of releasing foreign workers detained during operations. This was disclosed by Khairrul Aminus after participating in an enforcement operation in Pelangi Damansara, Petaling Jaya.

Employers have been found to pay between RM5,000 and RM10,000 per worker without verifying the claims. It is only upon visiting the immigration office in Shah Alam that employers discover the contact number used for payment is no longer active. The fraudulent activity, active since last month, has resulted in losses amounting to about RM57,000 for several employers.

The syndicate further convinces employers by using names and photographs of actual immigration officers. Several police reports have been lodged, and the department advises employers against dealing with third parties for the release of their workers.

Khairrul Aminus emphasized the legal procedure, noting that employers must present original documents for verification if a foreign worker is detained. He stated that most workers have valid documents, but their passports are usually held by the employer. Therefore, the employer must provide the original passport to facilitate the worker's release following proper procedures.