Vietnamese gang steals RM1mil in goods, jewels from Penang shops

KEPALA BATAS: Police have cracked a gang of Vietnamese nationals, called the “Tebuk Gang” which was behind at least six break-ins at supermarkets and goldsmith shops in Seberang Perai Utara, causing almost RM1 million in losses.

Two Vietnamese men have been arrested in Taman Teratai Indah, Butterworth.

District police chief Noorzainy Mohd Noor said police had trailed a car with two Vietnamese men, aged 33 and 38, after a week’s surveillance in the Jalan Raja Uda area.

“The car stopped in front of a house in Taman Teratai Indah. When the police team approached the car and introduced themselves, the two men fled but were arrested not far away,” Noorzainy told reporters here today.

In the car were tools such as screwdrivers, spanners and cable cutters believed to be used for break-ins, as well as a sword, believed to be used for self-defence if they were caught committing crime.

He said police then raided the two men’s rented house in Mak Mandin and found various goods including clothes, shoes and electrical items, as well as some cash and overseas money transfer receipts.

“They would break into the premises at night by deactivating the alarm. During a break-in at a goldsmith’s shop in Mak Mandin, only 500 metres from their house, they escaped with RM600,000 in jewellery and cash. Last Tuesday, they broke into two supermarkets in Teluk Air Tawar with losses amounting to RM50,000.

“The six cases resulted in a total loss of almost RM1 million with all the stolen money sent to their families in Vietnam,” he said.

Noorzainy said the investigation also found that the two men, who were working as pork butchers in Mak Mandin, had entered the country three years ago on a social visit pass. Their passports were found to be fake.

“The car they were using belongs to their Vietnamese friend who is staying in Kuala Lumpur and police are investigating whether this man was also involved in the crime committed by the suspects.

“We are also tracking down two more Vietnamese men known as Nguyen Van Cong and Bui Van Manh, both aged 32, and believed to be part of the gang. We believe they are hiding somewhere in this state,” he added.

The two suspects are being remanded until July 28. - FMT