EIGHT people, including a deputy public prosecutor (DPP), have been arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for allegedly taking bribes in return for the release of nine illegal immigrants held in Kuala Kubu Baru.

The Malaysian Insight was told that five policemen, who were the investigating officers of the case, and a court police officer was also detained by the anti-graft body on Wednesday evening.

A lawyer in the case was also picked up by the authorities.

A source confirmed that the operation took place last Wednesday but did not elaborate on the arrest of the eight individuals.

The source also refused to divulge the rank of the police officers detained.

“We found RM17,500 from the lawyer. We believe it is the money used to pay for the release of the nine. It is supposed to be shared with the officers.

“We also found RM85,000 from the DPP. We believe that the money came from illegal activities,” the source said.

The case is being probed under Section 16(A)(B) of the MACC Act for bribery.

MACC chief Latheefa Koya, in a brief reply to The Malaysian Insight, said the five policemen have been remanded for five days since Wednesday. – July 19, 2019.