SIBU: A 31-year-old local man believed to be an agent in a human trafficking syndicate that preyed on Malaysians with promises of high-paying jobs abroad, has been arrested after one of the victims escaped and returned home from Cambodia.
The case came to light after a local man lodged a report claiming he had been deceived by a job agent who promised him a lucrative position in the investment sector abroad.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili confirmed that they received the report at around 6.20 pm on Monday (Nov 3).
“Preliminary investigation found that the victim was taken to Cambodia last month, where he was forced to work as a scammer. He alleged that he was beaten and tortured whenever he refused to follow instructions.
“The ordeal ended only when the victim managed to escape with the help of his family and made his way back to Malaysia, where he sought police assistance,” he said.
Acting on the report, police managed to arrest the suspect, believed to be the local recruiter responsible for arranging the victim’s travel overseas.
Zulkipli said the suspect is being remanded for seven days to facilitate investigations under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, which carries a jail term of up to 15 years and a fine, upon conviction.
On the same day at 1.27 pm, police also received a separate report from another local man who claimed that he was attacked and extorted by a group of about 20 men.
“Initial investigations indicated the assault was linked to the human trafficking case.
“The victim alleged he was beaten and threatened to hand over cash for allegedly being involved in the activity,” he said.
Police have since arrested three local men, aged between 20 and 40, and they are being remanded until today (Nov 5) to facilitate investigations.
Zulkipli said the case is being investigated under Sections 323 and 385 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt and extortion.
