GEORGE TOWN: The 10 General Operations Force (GOF) personnel who were arrested over an alleged extortion case involving an e-waste factory have been released, says Penang police chief Comm Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng.
He said investigations were ongoing and police are gathering further statements and intelligence before deciding on the next course of action.
"The facts of the case have been established but we are still collecting intelligence and statements.
"We do not want to disclose information prematurely because it could affect the investigation," he told reporters during a press conference at the Police Contingent Headquarters in Jalan Penang on Friday (Aug 28).
Comm Lim said the investigation is being conducted under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion.
He said a man, believed to have acted as an intermediary, allegedly approached the victim following the raid, prompting the report.
"Based on the report, we launched the investigation.
"From the intermediary, we arrested the entire group to assist the investigation.
"The 10 personnel were believed to be part of the same team involved in the operation," he said.
He said police were working with the Environment Department as the case involved an e-waste processing facility.
"The initial police report stated RM60,000 was involved in the extortion but preliminary investigations indicated the actual amount could be higher.
"We are being cautious about disclosing details while the investigation is ongoing to avoid compromising the probe or creating discrepancies with evidence that could eventually be presented in court," he said.
It was reported the personnel were detained to assist investigations following a report lodged by a victim over an alleged demand for money linked to an enforcement raid at the factory.
The 10 personnel, aged between 30 and 40, comprised ranks from constable to inspector.
They had earlier been remanded to assist investigations.
