Founder of Migrant Recruitment Tech Firm Linked to Dubai Luxury Properties
Aminul Islam Abdul Nor, the founder of the migrant recruitment technology company Bestinet Sdn Bhd, is reported to own several luxurious properties in Dubai, placing him among approximately 300 Malaysians with high-end real estate in the city.
According to leaked property records accessed by a global consortium of investigative journalists, Aminul owns a four-bedroom luxury villa in Sidra Villas, located within the prestigious Dubai Hills Estate. This opulent property spans 3,595.25 sq ft and sits in a community described by its developer, Emaar Properties, as a haven of “sophisticated urban living.” Comparable properties in the area are valued at AED 7.5 million (approximately RM 8.76 million).
Additionally, Aminul reportedly owns two office units in The Binary by Omniyat, a prominent skyscraper in Business Bay. The units, totaling 3,940.35 sq ft, are estimated to be worth between AED 700,000 and AED 3.8 million each, based on market data. A source close to Aminul has confirmed the legitimacy of these purchases.
While owning property in Dubai is not illegal, experts point out that the city’s tax-free property market often attracts speculators and those seeking to avoid taxes. There is no evidence suggesting any illegitimate activity or questionable income sources regarding Aminul’s assets.
Contrasting Wealth Amid Controversy
Aminul’s luxurious lifestyle starkly contrasts with the financial hardships faced by many Bangladeshi migrant workers, who reportedly sell family assets to pay hefty fees for blue-collar jobs in Malaysia.
In late October, the Bangladeshi government sought Aminul’s extradition over allegations of money laundering, extortion, and trafficking linked to migrant worker recruitment. The accusations stem from recruitment fees allegedly amounting to Tk87.50 billion (RM 3.22 billion). However, Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has cleared Aminul and Bestinet of these charges.
Controversial History of Bestinet
Bestinet, the company behind Malaysia’s Foreign Worker Central Management System (FWCMS), has faced scrutiny since its inception. Launched under Aminul’s leadership, the system facilitates migrant worker processing but has been plagued by allegations of political favoritism and irregularities.
In 2015, the government temporarily suspended the FWCMS amidst claims it secured its contract through political connections. Although later reinstated, the system operated without a formal contract for six years, raising questions about governance and compliance. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) flagged system vulnerabilities and the absence of finalized agreements, despite Bestinet collecting RM 100 per worker for its services.
Future Developments
Despite controversies, the Malaysian cabinet extended Bestinet’s contract in June 2023 for an additional three years, with a focus on improving governance. The extension underscores the system’s integral role in processing migrant workers, while also calling for heightened oversight to address past concerns.
As the story unfolds, the contrast between the founder’s wealth and the challenges faced by migrant workers continues to raise ethical questions, shedding light on the broader implications of the migrant recruitment industry.
