KUALA LUMPUR: Three Malaysian criminals detained at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, India, are believed to be members of a criminal gang known as “Captain Praba”.
The suspects, all in their 30s, were detained on Sunday after their identities were flagged under Interpol Red Notices following their deportation from Britain.
A source said the trio, linked to a series of high-profile crimes including murder and arson, particularly around Klang and Banting, were placed under the highest level of security at the airport.
“After being served a ‘Not to Land’ (NTL) notice in Manchester, Britain, the suspects were ordered to return to Mumbai, the point from which they had departed.
“They were detained by airport authorities upon arrival and were not allowed to enter India or pass immigration control,” the source added.
Following their detention, a team of Malaysian police officers flew to Mumbai the same day to arrange for the suspects’ extradition to Malaysia.
“Malaysian police are coordinating with the relevant authorities to facilitate their return.
“If there are no obstacles, and following discussions between Malaysian and Indian authorities, the suspects are expected to be brought back in the near future,” the source said.
It is learnt that Malaysian police are expected to impose maximum security when the suspects are brought back to the country.
It is understood that about 10 Malaysian police officers will escort the suspects once the extradition process is finalised.
The trio, who are currently being held under “high-level security surveillance” in a special holding room at the airport in Mumbai, will be handed over to Malaysian police prior to their extradition.
“Upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), all three will be placed under strict police escort before being taken to the Sepang district police headquarters.
“After documentation procedures are completed, they will be brought to the Sepang Magistrate’s Court for further action,” the source said.
The source said the highest level of security was deemed necessary due to potential risks and threats associated with the detention of the suspects, who are believed to be senior leaders or key members of the “Captain Praba” gang.
Besides having a following among gang members, the suspects are also believed to have enemies who harbour grudges against them over past crimes, raising concerns about potential security threats.
Previously, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail had said that 17 gang members were nabbed in a massive operation codenamed “Ops Jack Sparrow” in September last year.
The suspects were arrested in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, and Perak on Sept 11, in operations conducted by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
It is learnt that the gang referred to their leader as “Captain Praba.”
The suspects, aged between 19 and 44, are believed to have been involved in violent crimes, including murder, assault with deadly weapons, gang robberies and arson.
The gang has been active since 2023 and has a total of 33 members.
The crackdown against the gang stems from an incident in which a man in Taman Sentosa, Klang, was attacked by a group of men armed with firearms and machetes early last year.
