Cops smash gang behind 42 Penang housebreakings

 Bukit Aman's CID chief M Kumar says the eight-man gang had been active from early 2024 until October last year.

Federal CID chief M Kumar said eight suspects held under ‘Op Shadow’ will be charged at the Butterworth sessions court tomorrow. (PDRM pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Police have busted an eight-member housebreaking syndicate which stole items worth nearly RM1 million from homes in Penang.

The special operation, called ‘’Op Shadow’’, was launched in the middle of last month.

Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director M Kumar said the eight suspects, aged between 22 and 35, would be charged at the Butterworth sessions court tomorrow, Bernama reported.

They will be charged with being members of an organised criminal group, an offence that provides for a jail sentence of not less than five years and a maximum of 20 years, if convicted.

Kumar said the special operation was conducted on Feb 15, with five suspects arrested under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

Three more suspects were identified and are currently serving their sentences at the Jawi and Alor Setar prisons for other offences.

He said the syndicate was led by a 27-year-old man and believed to have been actively carrying out housebreaking activities from early 2024 to October last year.

Police believe they were involved in at least 42 cases around Penang.

He said they went after valuable items that could easily be disposed of such as jewellery or electronic items and cash. - FMT