The man, in his 40s,
was apprehended on 24 June when summoned to provide a statement relating to the
matter, nicknamed the “Flying Container”
case, at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office in Putrajaya,
Selangor.
A local magistrate ordered that the man be remanded
until 30 June.
The suspect allegedly
bribed as many as 11 customs officers to let the goods pass without being
inspected or taxed, reportedly resulting in the loss of MYR3.5 billion (US$742
million) of tax revenue over 10 years. The “Flying Container” incident is said
to be the largest case of fraud involving containerised goods in Selangor.
The errant customs officers are among 17 people
arrested so far. MACC has also seized
MYR4.4 million in cash, believed to be part of the bribes paid by the
syndicate.
The investigation has
resulted in MACC seizing 19 containers in Port Klang containing imported goods
such as vehicles, vehicle parts and solar panels.
The syndicate is believed to have set up as many as
10 forwarding companies to create false declarations by labelling the goods as
duty-free items such as wheelchairs, toilet seats, textiles, and health
equipment.