GOMBAK: Bukit Aman is on the hunt for the remaining members of the notorious Captain Praba gang, including its mastermind, who are believed to have fled overseas.
“Our investigations showed that they used illegal means to travel overseas,” said Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Comm Datuk M. Kumar.
“We are working with our counterparts in other countries to track them down and bring them to justice.”
He said police are working towards dismantling the gang given the spate of violent crimes perpetrated by its members.
The gang is known for its turf wars with rival gangs, besides a series of high-profile crimes including murder and arson, particularly around Klang and Banting in Selangor.
On Jan 28, three Captain Praba gang members were charged at the Sepang Sessions Court after they were extradited from Mumbai, India.
The three men are on Interpol’s Red Notice list.
Yesterday, Comm Kumar said that police have stepped up efforts to detain the gang members and its mastermind.
“You can run but you can never hide forever,” he told reporters during a community policing programme at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves, held in conjunction with the Thaipusan celebrations.
During a police operation codenamed “Ops Jack Sparrow” in September last year, 17 members of the organised crime group in several states were arrested.
The 33-member gang is said to be led by someone known as Captain Praba. It is is believed to have been active since 2023.
On yesterday’s event in Batu Caves, Comm Kumar said police are intensifying efforts to strengthen ties with the community.
“As part of ongoing community policing initiatives, we aim to move beyond our traditional enforcement role and be actively involved in society by engaging with the public.
“The initiative adopts an inclusive approach, with prayers conducted for all members of the community regardless of religious background, underscoring the importance of unity and togetherness.”
Comm Kumar said officers involved carried out community engagement activities alongside their daily official duties, reflecting the police’s commitment to fostering closer relationships with the public.
“After all, our motto is about the police and public being inseparable,” he added.
