Immigration Officer Faces Charges in Corruption Case

Bandar Seri Begawan: An immigration officer has pleaded guilty to four charges related to corruption at the Bandar Seri Begawan Magistrate’s Court under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 131, while contesting another charge under the same Act.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Hajah Nurul Huda @ Hajah Rusiati binti Abdullah, aged 34, admitted guilt under Section 6(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act for accepting bribes. These bribes were taken in exchange for permitting foreign nationals to exit Brunei Darussalam without valid re-entry permits. However, she has denied a charge under Section 12B, which pertains to misconduct in public office. Court documents reveal that the defendant accepted a total of $500 in bribes from an individual between October 2023 and July 2024. In return, she facilitated the unlawful departures of foreign nationals by circumventing immigration protocols at the Sungai Tujoh Immigration Control Post.

The scheme was uncovered when Malaysian immigration authorities at the Miri ICQ detected irregularities in travel records on July 17, 2024. A cross-border inquiry prompted a full investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, during which the defendant confessed to receiving bribes both in cash and via bank transfers, using the funds for personal expenses. The court has scheduled further proceedings for February 15, 2025. Meanwhile, the defendant remains in remand. Convictions under Section 6(a) and 12B of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 131, carry a maximum penalty of a $30,000 fine and up to seven years imprisonment per charge.