Johor Bahru, a bustling city in Malaysia, has recently been the focus of a major police operation that has successfully dismantled three syndicates specializing in stealing luxury vehicles. The operation, known as Ops Lejang, led to the arrest of eight individuals involved in the illegal activities. Johor police chief M Kumar announced that these three gangs were among a total of eight vehicle-theft syndicates that were busted during the integrated operations conducted from June 21 to last Sunday.
According to Kumar, the luxury vehicle theft syndicates had been operating for approximately six months, utilizing high-tech equipment to carry out their crimes. The modus operandi of these syndicates involved identifying a target vehicle, installing a tracking device on it, and then striking when the vehicle was in a suitable location. The thieves would work in small groups of two or three, taking only about 30 seconds to steal the vehicle. They would use gadgets to start the engine and block GPS signals to avoid detection.
The stolen luxury vehicles, including popular models like Toyota Alphard, Toyota Vellfire, and Chery, were then transported by land to a neighboring country for sale. Johor police have received a total of 69 reports on the theft of luxury vehicles amounting to RM8.8 million so far this year. The successful busting of these syndicates is a significant achievement in curbing vehicle theft in the region.
In addition to the three luxury vehicle theft syndicates, five other syndicates were also dismantled during Ops Lejang. Six individuals involved in two old vehicle theft syndicates and 10 suspects linked to three motorcycle theft syndicates were apprehended by the authorities. A total of 116 people, including six foreigners, were arrested for various offenses during the operation. The detainees ranged in age from 16 to 59 years old, with the majority being male.
The cases related to these syndicates are being investigated under various sections of the law, including Sections 379A, 411, and 414 of the Penal Code, Section 29(1) of the Minor Offenses Act, and Section 39C of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The successful operations conducted by the Johor police highlight their commitment to maintaining law and order in the region and cracking down on organized crime syndicates involved in vehicle theft.
Overall, the dismantling of these syndicates is a significant victory for law enforcement in Johor Bahru. It sends a strong message to criminals involved in illegal activities that their actions will not be tolerated. The collaborative efforts of the police force in identifying, tracking, and apprehending these syndicates demonstrate their dedication to protecting the community and ensuring the safety and security of residents.