11 Indonesian Suspects Nabbed Over Armed Robbery Spree In Penang

GEORGE TOWN,  April 10 (Bernama) -- Police have arrested 11 Indonesian suspects, including two women, believed to be involved in a series of armed robberies targeting workers’ quarters at construction sites.

Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said the arrests were made during operations conducted yesterday and today by the Penang Contingent Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) at several locations in Chemor, Perak, and Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT), following intelligence and public tip-offs.

“In the series of raids, police detained nine men and two women, aged between 22 and 38. We also seized items believed to belong to the victims, including jewellery, various brands of mobile phones and cash amounting to RM2,770.

“Police also confiscated weapons such as machetes, knives and cable ties believed to have been used in carrying out the robberies,” he said in a statement.

Azizee explained that the group’s modus operandi involved targeting foreign workers living in workers’ quarters at construction sites. The suspects would reportedly arm themselves with machetes, wear face masks, and restrain victims by tying their hands and feet with cable ties.

Following the arrests, police believe they have solved a gang robbery case reported at 1.30 am yesterday in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS), which involved losses amounting to RM35,000, including jewellery, mobile phones and cash.

In total, Azizee said police have solved five gang robbery cases, namely one in Seberang Perai Utara and two each in Seberang Perai Tengah and Seberang Perai Selatan, with the arrests.

“A background check found that only one suspect had a prior record related to immigration offences, while the others had no criminal records. Initial urine screening tests on all suspects also returned negative results,” he added.

All suspects have been remanded to assist in investigations under Sections 395 and 397 of the Penal Code.

-- BERNAMA