PETALING JAYA: Police busted an armed robbery gang operating since 2020 in a special operation conducted by Bukit Aman and the Sarawak police.
Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the operation, dubbed Ops Pusak Merah, led to the arrest of 23 suspects following raids from April 19 to 23.
"All those arrested are currently being remanded under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) until May 18," he said in a statement on Friday (May 15).
Investigations showed that the group, which had 26 members, carried out various criminal activities including extortion and protection rackets.
It is also believed that the ringleader is a 41-year-old local man.
Comm Kumar said the raids also led to the seizure of several weapons, including a pump gun, ammunition and two samurai swords.
"We have identified three gang members who are still at large, and efforts to locate them are ongoing," he added.
Those detained have criminal records for assorted offences including murder, gang robbery and drug trafficking, he said.
They will be charged later today at the Kuching Sessions Court for being a part of an organised crime group.
"With the arrests, police have successfully solved approximately 25 cases and crippled a violent crime syndicate active in Sarawak.
"We remain committed to conducting continuous operations against any individuals or groups involved in criminal activities, gangsterism and violent crimes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Malaysian society," Comm Kumar said.
