KUALA LUMPUR: Two notorious organised crime groups were crippled with the arrests of 17 gang members.
The suspects were nabbed in a massive operation in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang and Perak on Sept 11, codenamed Ops Jack Sparrow, conducted by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the suspects, aged 19 and 44, were believed to be involved in various violent crimes, including murders, assault with deadly weapons, gang robberies and arson.
"Both groups have been active since 2023 and have in total 33 members," he told reporters in Bukit Aman on Wednesday (Sept 23).
Action against both groups stems from an incident where a man in Taman Sentosa, Klang, was attacked by a group of men armed with firearms and a machete earlier this year, he said.
"The video of the incident went viral on social media and caused distress and fear to the public.
"The motives behind the attack were fighting for territories and infighting among gang members," he said.
All suspects have been detained under Sosma 2012, he said.
"Both gangs were believed to be responsible for at least 80 criminal incidents in the Klang Valley and other states.
"We are still hunting down at least six other gang members," he added.
The CID will also scrutinise the money flow of both groups to uncover funds, profits and assets derived from illegal activities, he said.
"Both groups not only targeted members of rival gangs but members of the public as well.
"We are also looking into the possibility the gangs were involved in weapons smuggling as well.
"On this matter, the CID will work with other relevant agencies, especially along the borders," he said.
The IGP said investigations are underway whether the two groups were involved in other shooting incidents in the Klang Valley.
