Cops nab 9 suspected grave-robbers in Miri

 Police say two of the suspects were recently released from prison after serving sentences for the same offence.

Sarawak acting police commissioner Saifullizan Ishak holding a hammer, believed used in the grave robbing cases. (Bernama pic)

KUCHING:

Police have arrested nine men believed to have robbed graves in Miri in a special operation from Oct 11 to 17.

Sarawak acting police commissioner Saifullizan Ishak said investigation found that three of the suspects had criminal records.

“Two of the three suspects were also believed to have been recently released from prison after serving sentences for the same offence, and are believed to have recruited others to rob graves,” he told reporters at the Sarawak police headquarters here today.

Saifullizan said investigation found that their activities had been carried out since Aug 6.

“Following action and investigation, police have solved 15 reported grave-robbing cases in the Miri district.

“The items seized to assist in the investigation include hammers, screwdrivers and jewellery such as rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and old coins,” he said.

He said the suspects, aged between 16 and 73, are being investigated under Section 297 of the Penal Code for trespassing on burial places and related offences. - FMT