Bribes smooth contraband’s passage

Syndicates are prepared to offer bribes of up to RM40,000 (US$16,000) per shipping container to Customs officers in exchange for the ‘smooth passage’ of contraband cigarettes and liquor into Malaysia, according to an AsiaOne report citing a Mingguan Malaysia story.

An unnamed source was quoted as saying that as well as using containers, the syndicates also used vans to smuggle goods.

“They will only smuggle goods at a certain time using vehicles that have received the ‘green light’ from high ranking officials from the Customs Department,” he said.

The source further alleged that corrupt custom officials worked in teams.

“The smuggling vehicle will only pass through Customs when members of the ‘team’ who have been paid are on duty. If there is any inspection, it will only be for show,” said the source.

He alleged that the RM40,000 bribe would be divided among the members of the team, which consists of those from the inspection unit, enforcement, port police, documentation unit and data entry unit.

“If they let two containers pass per day, they will get about RM80,000 of easy money,” the source was quoted as saying.