AN undercover operation brought down a syndicate that had been operating at the Kuala Kubu Baru Sessions Court for almost a decade, accepting bribes in exchange for the release of illegal immigrants and other crimes.

The Malaysian Insight learnt that anti-graft officers went undercover, posing as a lawyer and an illegal immigrant, to bring down the syndicate, which included a sitting judge, deputy public prosecutor, lawyer and several policemen.

The suspects are being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in a case involving the release of nine illegals in exchange for bribes.

Sources told The Malaysian Insight that the group’s modus operandi involved collaboration between the judge, DPP, lawyer and police officers once a case was brought to the court in Selangor.

“As soon as an individual was charged or brought to court, the police officers involved in the group would inform the accused of an ‘easier way’ to get a reduced sentence,” said a source.

“To enable the syndicate to operate with ease, the accused would be required to engage the lawyer who was part of the group. A sum would be fixed for the case, so as to obtain a reduced sentence.”

The money would then be split four ways, between the judge, DPP, lawyer and cops.

The source said the case involving the release of nine illegals was not the first time the modus operandi was used.

The judge, remanded yesterday by MACC, was the only magistrate and sessions court judge in Kuala Kubu Baru.

Sources said the 45-year-old was the coroner in a high-profile inquest almost a decade ago. He also handled other cases involving police and political party leaders.

“This is not the first time the said judge allegedly received bribes to issue biased judgments. It is speculated that he had been doing so for 10 years,” said a source.

The judge, who took ill two days ago while in MACC custody, was remanded at Putrajaya Hospital, where he was being examined for chest pains.

On Monday, MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya confirmed that the judge was among nine individuals detained in the case.

The agency arrested the lawyer, DPP and six cops – five investigative officers and a court policeman – on July 17.

MACC had found RM17,500 on the lawyer, believed to be funds paid in exchange for the release of the nine illegal immigrants.

RM85,500 was found on the DPP, believed to be proceeds from illegal activities.

The case is being investigated under Section 16 of the MACC Act for bribery. – July 24, 2019.