Selangor police have arrested nine individuals linked to a cable theft syndicate, solving cases in Kuala Lumpur and Kedah with RM60,000 in seized evidence.
SHAH ALAM: Police have arrested nine individuals believed to be involved in a gang-related cable theft case in the Section 3 area here two weeks ago.
The arrests have solved several similar cases reported in Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur as well as Kupang and Padang Serai, Kedah.
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said all suspects, comprising six men and three women aged between 19 and 44, were arrested in separate raids.
The raids were conducted in Dengkil, Selangor; Sungai Petani, Kedah; and Ipoh, Perak between February 23 and 26.
“Record checks found that the majority of them are hardened criminals with various records involving cable theft, robbery and drugs,” Shazeli said.
He added that two suspects are still wanted in connection with cases in Subang and Perak.
Additionally, urine screening tests confirmed that seven suspects tested positive for drugs such as amphetamine, methamphetamine and THC.
Police also seized three vehicles, including a four-wheel drive and a lorry.
They also confiscated 12 cables and 20 units of cable sheaths belonging to a telecommunications company.
Other seized items included cable cutters, an axe, and metal modified as maintenance hole openers.
The syndicate was found to be using disguises such as vests and shirts with the logos of the involved telecommunications company.
They also used lights and safety helmets to avoid detection.
Further investigations uncovered transaction documents and bank receipt copies amounting to RM60,000.
“All the suspects will be charged tomorrow (March 3), under Section 379 and Section 414 of the Penal Code,” Shazeli said.
Prior to this, police were actively tracking a group of men believed to be involved in cable theft activities around Section 3.
The incident went viral on social media through a 14-second video recording.
The video showed a group of individuals using several vehicles, including a four-wheel drive, to steal cables at night.
The Sun Malaysia
