Police Cripple Rusaboy Gang, With Arrest Of 17 Individuals

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has crippled the Rusaboy Gang, an organised crime group active in various violent crimes in Kedah and Penang, following the arrest of 17 individuals during an operation, codenamed Op Tiga.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar said the special operation was carried out through cooperation involving the Bukit Aman CID and Special Branch, and Kedah CID.

“The organised crime group, active in Sungai Petani, Kulim and several locations in Penang, comprises around 35 members and is led by a 36-year-old local man known as Rames, who is believed to still be in the country. 

“The group is suspected of being involved in various violent crimes, including robbery, causing serious injuries, murder and drug trafficking, as well as extortion activities,” he said in a press conference at the Bukit Aman police headquarters here today.

Each member was designated specific roles, including attack teams, collection and drug distribution teams. The gang also actively recruited new members from local areas and beyond.

The group is also believed to be involved in two murder cases using sharp weapons, in attacks believed to be linked to turf disputes in 2024.

He said all 17 men, aged between 24 and 42, were arrested in the operation conducted from Nov 27 to Dec 4.

Kumar said initial checks revealed that all suspects have prior criminal records, including murder, armed gang robbery, causing serious injuries and drug trafficking.

“Of the 17 detained, seven had previously been arrested in 2020 under Section 130V of the Penal Code, convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment before being released in January 2024.

“However, after their release, they became active again in organised crime activities,” he said.

Those detained are being investigated under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) and are scheduled to be charged at the Sungai Petani Sessions Court in Kedah tomorrow.

He said the use of SOSMA allows police not only to detain the main perpetrators, but also to track the entire network of the organised crime group, including its hierarchy and financial support, as well as to safeguard witnesses.

Following the arrests, police are actively tracking down the remaining 15 gang members, including their leader, Rames.

Kumar said the CID has also identified several other criminal groups, and police are actively hunting them and pursuing action against them.

At the same time, he also urged the public not to join such groups to avoid facing legal action.

-- BERNAMA