The anti-graft agency is investigating the loss of RM5.5 billion in tax revenue through false declarations at Port Klang and KLIA, Berita Harian reported.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the investigations have led to the arrests of 24 customs officers at KLIA as well as 11 at Port Klang.

He was quoted as saying that more than 100 companies were on MACC’s radar, but the investigations were “very complex”.

“We are investigating the companies, especially freight forwarding agents. We are looking into their finances,” he said, adding that the customs department and the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) were also involved in the investigations.

“We want to see how much they paid to conduct these illegal activities. If, for example, they paid RM10 million, we want them to pay that amount back to the government for evading taxes.”

Following the seizure of RM4.4 million in cash as well as assets like luxury vehicles and goods in the Port Klang probe, Azam said MACC was working on finding out where the cash and goods came from.

“We want to firstly find out where their other assets are. Secondly, where did they get the money to purchase these assets? Thirdly, who gave the cash? When such a large amount of cash is involved, the (suspects) must explain the source of the funds.”

Last Wednesday, it was reported that three enforcement agency officers were among seven people arrested for alleged involvement in the smuggling syndicate at Port Klang.

It was also reported that 19 containers in Port Klang containing imported goods were seized during an operation conducted by MACC and the customs department.

A source previously said the smuggling syndicate was found to have made false declarations by declaring the contents of the containers as duty-free items such as wheelchairs, toilet seats, textiles, and health equipment.

MACC is working with various international agencies to track down the syndicate’s mastermind.