Suspects linked with traffickers apprehended

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have detained some “suspects” for their possible links with human traffickers following the discovery of mass graves in Perlis on Monday.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the suspects will be investigated for allegedly allowing people to be trafficked and for causing death and (committing) murder.
He, however, did not elaborate on the suspects and did not specify which enforcement officers are involved.
“Action will be taken under Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007,” he said.
But he added that police are investigating the possibility that enforcement officers, including forest rangers, may have “collaborated” with the human traffickers.
“They may also have international links with Thai, Bangladeshi and Myanmar nationals,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.
He said the authorities are not ruling out that “officers were in cahoots” with the traffickers.
“We suspect some of them are (in cahoots with traffickers), but we are working with the Forestry Department because in terms of border enforcement in Perlis, they are in charge. I need to discuss with the minister in charge,” Ahmad Zahid said.
It was reported on Monday that police have discovered 139 mass graves, each believed to contain remains of between three and four bodies of trafficked victims, mainly the Rohingyas and Bangladeshis.
The graves were discovered at 28 abandoned illegal migrant detention camps at Genting Perah, located at the Perlis-Thailand border. Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had said the graves were dug up last Friday.