Foreigners behind tourist thefts in Penang nabbed

New Straits Times

4 days ago

GEORGE TOWN: Police have crippled a foreign crime syndicate believed to be targeting tourists in popular hotspots around the city with the arrest of five Middle Eastern nationals, including two women, during an operation.
Dubbed 'Op Tourist', the operation was launched following three separate police reports lodged between July 30 and Aug 1 involving cash thefts from international tourists in Pulau Tikus and Jalan Penang.
Acting state police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the victims — tourists from Taiwan, the Netherlands and Syria, aged between 29 and 52 — had reported being approached by people posing as fellow tourists or friendly locals who engaged them in casual conversation.
"During the exchange, the suspects allegedly coaxed the victims into revealing the cash in their possession before discreetly making off with the money.
"A joint team conducted the operation at Gurney Plaza.
"As a result of the operation yesterday, police arrested three men and two women, aged between 19 and 35, all of whom are Middle Eastern nationals," he said in a statement today.
Alwi said police seized multiple foreign currencies, two vehicles, and a packet of ganja.
"Preliminary urine tests revealed two of the suspects tested positive for THC," he added.
The suspects are currently being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft,
Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft in a building, Section 6 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 15(1)(a) of the same Act for drug consumption.
Alwi reiterated Penang police's commitment to safeguarding the welfare of both locals and tourists.
"We advise members of the public to remain vigilant when approached by strangers and to safeguard their valuables at all times," he said.
Anyone with further information can contact the Penang Criminal Investigation Department Operations Room at 04-222 1624 or the nearest police station.