GEORGE TOWN: Police have arrested five Middle Eastern nationals in its investigation into the theft of money from several foreign tourists who were allegedly hypnotised (pukau) in the city centre here.
Penang acting police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said three men and two women, including a married couple, all aged from 19 to 35, were detained at the Gurney Plaza area under Ops Tourist.
"Between July 30 and Aug 1, we received three reports of cash thefts involving tourists from Taiwan, the Netherlands and Syria, aged from 29 to 52, in the Pulau Tikus and Jalan Penang areas.
"A team from the Timur Laut criminal investigation division as well as the Pulau Tikus and Central police stations conducted an operation and detained the five Middle Eastern suspects," he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 3).
He added that police also seized multiple foreign currencies, two vehicles, and a packet of ganja.
Mohd Alwi said preliminary urine tests revealed that two of the suspects tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
He said the group's modus operandi was to approach foreign tourists for a conversation before asking them to reveal the cash in their possession.
"The suspects will then take the money and leave the scene. It is reported that victims only realise their money is gone after the suspects leave," he said.
He said all the suspects have been remanded for four days until Aug 6 and the case is being investigated under sections 379 and 380 of the Penal Code and sections 6 and 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Alwi said they are committed to ensuring the safety of locals and tourists, and advised the public to be vigilant when dealing with unknown individuals, as well as to safeguard their valuables at all times.
He added that anyone with information can contact the Penang criminal investigation department operations room at 04-222 1624 or the nearest police station. – Bernama
