3 women believed to be masterminds among 9 nabbed for cable thefts

 Police say the syndicate members disguised themselves using clothing bearing the Telekom Malaysia logo.

Selangor police chief Shazeli Kahar showing some of the seized items at the Shah Alam police headquarters.

SHAH ALAM:

 Police arrested nine members, including three women believed to be the masterminds, of a cable theft syndicate in a special operation dubbed Op Kabel Viral on Feb 23 and 26.

Selangor police chief Shazeli Kahar said the three women and six men, aged between 19 and 44, were arrested in raids in Dengkil (Selangor), Sungai Petani and Ipoh.

He said several of them were found to have been previously involved in theft, robbery and drug abuse. Two were also on the police wanted list.

“Seven of the suspects tested positive in urine tests for amphetamine, methamphetamine and THC,” he said at the Shah Alam police headquarters today.

Shazeli said the group, believed to have been active since last year, disguised themselves with clothing bearing the Telekom Malaysia logo, as well as lamps and safety helmets, to conceal their activities.

Police seized 12 lengths of cable and 20 cable sheaths belonging to TM, cable cutters and metal tools used to open maintenance manhole covers, and several vehicles.

The suspects are expected to be charged tomorrow.

In an unrelated case, Shazeli said four men arrested last week in connection with the theft of a donation box from Masjid Kristal in Section 7, Shah Alam, would be charged tomorrow with theft.

The Selangor sultan had previously praised the police for swiftly arresting those responsible, following cooperation among the police, mosque committee members and congregants.

Shazeli advised mosque and surau committees to ensure their CCTV recording systems function properly. - FMT