Indonesian Embassy supports Malaysian authorities in eradicating document forgery syndicate

Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Kuala Lumpur supports the efforts of Malaysian authorities to eradicate the syndicate forging official Republic of Indonesia (RI) travel documents in order to protect Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Malaysia. The forgery of official travel documents in question involves the falsification of passports and Republic of Indonesia Travel Documents (SPLP). KBRI urges all WNI in Malaysia to contact the KBRI, the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI), or the Indonesian Consulate (KRI) to obtain valid and legitimate travel documents. KBRI also advises WNI not to be easily deceived by various fake social media accounts impersonating the KBRI, including fake accounts using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Members of the public who find fake accounts impersonating Indonesian representatives are requested to report them immediately to the KBRI. Previously, the Malaysian Immigration Directorate (JIM) carried out a special operation on Tuesday (5/5) and detained the masterminds of the “fake stamp” passport syndicate involving two Indonesian nationals. The Malaysian Immigration side, in its statement, conveyed that the operation was conducted at two locations around Taman Kepong Indah, Kuala Lumpur, and Taman Dagang, Ampang, Selangor, involving a team from the Intelligence and Special Operations Division, Putrajaya Immigration Headquarters. Based on intelligence information gathered over one month, the JIM operations team was deployed to the residence locations and detained two Indonesian men, known as Padi and Amir, aged 52, as the main suspected masterminds of the syndicate. Initial examinations found that both lacked valid travel documents to be in Malaysia. Also seized were one Proton Exora vehicle and one Nissan Almera vehicle used by the syndicate. Suspect Amir was previously detained by JIM in June 2025 for the same offence and had been repatriated to Indonesia. Amir has been placed on JIM’s blacklist. However, suspect Amir is suspected of re-entering Malaysia via illegal routes. The syndicate is believed to have operated for one year using social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and TikTok to find targets and charge fees of 100 ringgit to 350 ringgit (Rp1.3 million to Rp2.2 million) for each endorsement. Payments for the illegal services were made online. Both suspects, Padi and Amir, were detained for offences under Section 56(1)(l) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Office for further action.