DSP Held Over Alleged Mastermind Behind RM4.4 Mln Robbery Cases

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have confirmed the arrest of one of their personnel, who is alleged to have masterminded a series of armed robberies in Kepong on Sunday, involving losses of RM4.4 million.

Kuala Lumpur Police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the suspect, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), had previously served in the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) and has been suspended since Jan 23.

"The suspect is believed to have played a key role in orchestrating the group’s operations, including planning and coordinating their movements," he told Bernama when contacted today.

Earlier, six men aged between 31 and 51, including the police officer and two bodyguards, were detained in connection with three robberies at the homes of foreign nationals.

The incidents, reported to have occurred between 5.30 am and 7.30 am, saw the suspects posing as police officers to break into the homes of two Chinese nationals and an Indonesian woman.

One of the suspects was also found to have brandished an object resembling a pistol to intimidate the victims before fleeing with various valuables.

The syndicate made off with three luxury vehicles — a Rolls-Royce, a Bentley and a Toyota Alphard — as well as a safe, RM24,200 in cash, foreign currency amounting to US$1,200, various jewellery and two gold bars.

Fadil said police also found that the two bodyguards had misused legally licensed firearms during the robberies.

All six suspects are being remanded for seven days until Saturday to assist in investigations under Sections 395, 397 and 170 of the Penal Code, he added.

-- BERNAMA