Penang cops wrapping up probe into Iranians accused of robbing 'hypnotised' tourists

The Star

3 days ago

GEORGE TOWN: Police are finalising the investigation into a case where five Iranians were arrested over the alleged theft of money from tourists in the city centre here.
Acting Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said all five suspects aged from 19 to 35, have finished their police remand and are currently being remanded by the Immigration Department until Aug 15,
"Police are still conducting investigations from various angles, including the possibility of their involvement in similar cases in other places (other states). However, there have been no findings so far.
"Investigations show that they are involved in three cases in the George Town area and we are completing the investigation papers before it is sent to the Deputy Public Prosecutor's office for further action," he said on Thursday (Aug 7).
He added police were also still waiting for a response from Immigration to confirm the authenticity of the passports of the five Iranians and records of their entry and exit in the country.
Mohd Alwi said police were investigating the cases under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft and Section 380 the same Act, in addition to Section 6 and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
On Saturday (Aug 2), police arrested three men and two women at Plaza Gurney here during "Ops Tourist".
The suspects are believed to have sweet-talked or hypnotised (pukau) victims before stealing their money.
Police received three reports of robberies involving tourists in the Pulau Tikus and Jalan Penang areas involving victims from Taiwanese, Holland and Syria from July 30 to Aug 1. – Bernama