MELAKA: Police have arrested five Chinese nationals from a gang of pickpockets who target tourists at popular attractions around Melaka.
Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Christopher Patit said the suspects, aged from 29 to 62, would move in groups and target victims in crowded tourist hotspots, particularly around Jonker Walk.
He said the syndicate, identified as "Guangxi Gang", was uncovered after a Chinese tourist lodged a police report on April 25 after his wallet containing cash and several credit cards was stolen here.
Melaka police launched an operation and managed to detain two suspects around Dataran Pahlawan here on the same day.
"After interrogation, suspects led police to a condominium in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, where three more suspects were arrested on April 29," he said in a statement on Wednesday (May 6).
"We have received five reports from victims since April, with estimated losses of RM20,000," he said.
ACP Patit said all the suspects are being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying.
"The suspects are expected to be charged at the Magistrate's Court in Ayer Keroh on Wednesday (May 6)," he added.
