The Immigration Department suspects a syndicate exploiting senior citizens for marriage arrangements with foreigners is operating beyond Putrajaya, potentially in other states nationwide.
Director-General Zakaria Shaaban said the suspicion arose following arrests and seizures made in a recent special operation in Putrajaya. The department’s Intelligence and Special Operations Division is currently handling the investigation.
He confirmed that task forces at the state level have been instructed to investigate similar cases in their jurisdictions.
“So far, this is what we’ve detected in Putrajaya. But we are monitoring closely, and special state teams are looking into suspicious applications under the foreign spouse category,” he told the New Straits Times.
The busted syndicate allegedly offered immigration services, including foreign spouse visa applications and marriage registrations between Malaysians and foreigners.
Zakaria believes the issue extends beyond Putrajaya, although no specific states have been named yet. He encouraged the public to come forward with any relevant information.
“This may not be an isolated case. If there are any leads, we’ll follow them up with a full investigation,” he said.
He revealed that the syndicate targets elderly citizens who are financially unsupported and neglected by their families.
“When a foreigner offers financial aid and care—even if significantly younger—the seniors agree to marry them,” he said. In return, these seniors receive monthly allowances worth thousands of ringgit.
“The foreigners are only interested in obtaining legal status through marriage, allowing them to stay longer and open businesses,” he added.
Zakaria stressed that exploiting vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, is a serious offence, and the department will continue monitoring and cracking down on such cases nationwide.
