Luxury vehicle theft syndicate busted, mastermind among 14 arrested

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 14 people, including the mastermind, were detained in connection with a luxury vehicle theft syndicate, which has been active in six states.

Police secretary Deputy Comm Datuk Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said the police had received 14 police reports from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and Pahang in relation to the theft of luxury vehicles.

"The syndicate targeted car sale centres, workshops, valet parking and car washes.

"They would even pose as prospective buyers before duping the sellers and driving away with the luxury vehicles," she said in a statement on Saturday (Feb 18).

Their targeted vehicles were Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Honda and Volkswagen, she said.

"They would even hire a runner or jockey to send the stolen vehicles to Thailand," she added.

DCP Noorsiah said 11 men and three women, aged between 22 and 43, were detained.

"We believe among them is the mastermind of the whole syndicate.

"We also recovered five stolen luxury vehicles," she said.

She also reminded all parties to be careful with individuals who claimed to be vehicle owners or their representatives when handing over a vehicle at showrooms, workshops and valet parking.