5 Cops Among 16 Arrested For Cable Theft In Selangor Kl

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 Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan says the policemen leaked information on areas with fewer police patrols to the syndicate.
Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said the two sergeants and three corporals were arrested on May 22 at several locations in Cheras and Kajang.PETALING JAYA: Five police officers have been arrested over their alleged involvement in cable theft activities in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor over the past one year
Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said the two sergeants and three corporals, serving at district police headquarters and stations in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, were among 16 suspects arrested in connection with a syndicate known as “Sindiket Mulia”, Bernama reported.
“Investigations found that the syndicate members received information from the police officers involved about areas with fewer patrols and so on,” he was quoted as saying.
Hussein said the police officers had been under remand since May 23 to assist in investigations after being arrested on May 22 at several locations in Cheras and Kajang.
He said the syndicate was also aided by technicians and security guards from companies appointed by Telekom Malaysia.
According to Hussein, these policemen acted as insiders to inform syndicate members about which cable parts to cut to prevent alarms from being triggered.
“Every cable theft involved insiders who showed them where and how to steal the cables,” he said.
Hussein said the stolen cables were taken to a plantation to have the copper extracted for sale to scrap metal dealers.
He said the syndicate was masterminded by two men with 36 and 29 previous criminal cases each, including drug-related offences.
“Initial investigations found the syndicate had conducted 23 transactions at scrap metal shops around Semenyih, making an estimated RM683,000. We believe this syndicate has committed more than 23 thefts,” he said.
Hussein said police seized a Toyota Hilux four-wheel-drive, a Proton Perdana, a Mitsubishi Fuso Canter lorry, 1.2 tonnes of metal, and metal-cutting equipment.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft, Section 431A of the Penal Code for mischief involving telegraph cables and wires, and Section 29(1) of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for fraudulent possession of property. -FMT

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