PETALING JAYA: The police in Petaling Jaya have busted a syndicate that exclusively sold stolen motorcycles to foreigners. The arrest of the group came after a report was made on July 17 about a missing motorcycle, as confirmed by OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Fakhrudin Abdul Hamid at a press conference held at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters on July 26.
As per the information collected, two foreigners aged 33 and 35 were apprehended at a petrol station in Bandar Sri Damansara on July 21. A subsequent investigation led to the arrest of a 34-year-old local man in Semenyih. The suspects were interrogated before the additional arrest was made.
The police managed to seize six motorcycles and a motorcycle frame during the operation, with one of the recovered bikes being the same one that had been reported missing earlier. The investigations further revealed that the group had been involved in selling stolen vehicles at remarkably low prices, often below RM1,000, and they only dealt with foreigners.
This syndicate is believed to have been active for approximately two months. As of now, all the suspects have been remanded until July 25, and they have been transferred to the Kajang police due to the emerging connection of more cases in that area with the group.
OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Fakhrudin Abdul Hamid explained the modus operandi of the syndicate, stating that they would use a hairdryer to remove old stickers, apply new ones, and even spray paint some parts to alter the appearance. Furthermore, they would change the number plates with counterfeit ones.
Through background checks, it was discovered that the local suspect had a record of 11 prior cases. The arrests made by the police have resulted in the resolution of seven missing motorcycle cases so far, with an estimated total loss of around RM35,000.
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Credit: The Star : News Feed
