Latest news with #PenangCriminalInvestigationDepartment
New Straits Times
03-08-2025
- New Straits Times
Foreigners behind tourist thefts in Penang nabbed
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.
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Cops smash cross-border gang behind robberies in Penang, Kedah and Perak
GEORGE TOWN: Police have dismantled a cross-border crime syndicate linked to robberies and housebreakings across Penang, Kedah and Perak. State police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said the breakthrough came after an operation by the state Criminal Investigation Department, which led to the arrest of four local men, aged between 23 and 34, yesterday. "They were arrested in different locations in the three states. "Two of the suspects have a criminal record related to criminal and drug offences," he said in a statement today. The robbers were linked to crimes in the populated areas of Seberang Prai Selatan in Penang, Bandar Baharu in Kedah, and Parit Buntar in Perak. Hamzah said, during the raid, police seized four mobile phones of various brands, a television, and four vehicles used in the criminal activities. "All suspects are currently in remand until May 14, and investigations are being conducted under Section 394 of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 20 years and caning, if convicted," he added. Hamzah urged the public to provide information related to any criminal activities in the state by contacting the Penang Criminal Investigation Department's Operations Room Hotline at 04-222 1624.
