MACC tracks masterminds behind baby syndicate since 2021

SHAH ALAM – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has uncovered that syndicates offered between RM5,000 and RM50,000 to individuals managing the process of buying babies and preparing their birth certificates.

According to sources, preliminary investigations revealed that approximately RM400,000 worth of transactions had taken place involving the syndicate, which is believed to have been operating since 2021.

"MACC is still investigating to identify the masterminds behind the syndicate involved in this issue.

"Initial findings also showed that the agents’ modus operandi involved advertising on social media and through word-of-mouth connections," the source said.

Meanwhile, Selangor MACC Director Hairuzam Mohmad Amin, when contacted, said the agency is currently tracking down more individuals or agents involved in supplying babies and preparing false documents.

He also did not rule out the possibility of a series of follow-up arrests.

On Wednesday, the MACC remanded 14 individuals suspected of submitting birth registration forms containing false information regarding birth confirmations, despite no hospital records existing for those births.

All individuals were remanded for five days until April 20.

The suspects, comprising 11 men and three women aged between 20 and 40, were detained on Tuesday when they appeared to give statements at the Selangor MACC office.

They are suspected of applying for identification cards and birth certificates for the children using falsified information submitted to the National Registration Department (NRD).

The case is being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009.