Sarawak police arrest 23 suspected gang members in a major crackdown on violent crimes including extortion and arson.

KUCHING: Criminal Investigation Department (CID) teams from Federal police headquarters and the state CID have busted a major criminal gang in Sarawak believed to be involved in dozens of violent crimes.

Police carried out simultaneous raids at multiple locations across several districts and arrested 23 suspected gang members.

The suspects are believed to have been involved in extortion targeting businesses, rioting, causing injuries to victims, robbery, arson and other serious offences, said Bukit Aman CID Director Datuk M. Kumar.

He said the special operation, dubbed Ops Pusak Merah, was conducted from April 19 to 23.

“We arrested 23 individuals aged between 19 and 44 who are believed to be members of a violent gang.

“The special operation was aimed at curbing violent crimes linked to gang activities.

“With these arrests, we have solved at least 25 cases involving violent crimes,” he said in a statement.

Kumar said those arrested had numerous prior criminal records.

He added that police also seized firearms, ammunition and sharp weapons from the group.

“We are still searching for more members.

“We want to dismantle these groups that are creating fear among the Rakyat,” he said.

Police have obtained remand orders against the suspects pending investigations into the various offences they are alleged to have committed.

 The Sun Malaysia