POLICE have arrested 20 individuals, including a National Registration Department (NRD) officer, suspected of being involved in the issuance of fake birth certificates and identity cards.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamed said the suspects arrested in Penang on August 19 comprised 17 locals, two Chinese nationals and an Indian citizen.

“The suspects aged between 32 and 70 are agents, middlemen, sponsors and holders of fake identity cards, birth certificates and Malaysian passports.

“Police seized various items, including 38 mobile phones, 34 passports, five copies of birth certificates, 58 copies of passports and cash,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The syndicate would hunt for foreigners seeking citizenship and the process would be handled by an individual based at the Penang NRD.

Huzir said the syndicate made between RM100,000 and RM600,000 from the foreigners and investigations are ongoing to nab the remaining members.

The suspects are under remand for 28 days. – Bernama, September 12, 2019.