Car theft syndicate crippled, six arrested

KUALA LUMPUR: A vehicle theft syndicate, which has been active since last year, was busted with the arrest of six local men.

Sentul OCPD Asst Comm Ahmad Sukarno Mohd Zahari said the suspects, aged between 30 and 56, were detained in Kuala Lumpur and Puchong on June 28.

"We also seized four vehicles, including two luxury vehicles, two remote control units and several forged documents of vehicle ownership.

"Two other men, known as Samuel and John, are still at large and they are believed to be the mastermind of the syndicate," he told a press conference at the Sentul police headquarters on Friday (June 7).

The syndicate would target luxury vehicles and modify their chassis number, he said.

"They would then sell the stolen vehicles online cheaper than the market price.

"The syndicate is also known to bring in Singapore-registered vehicles, which have been marked for scrap, and modify their chassis number before selling them," he said.

The syndicate is believed to have been responsible for four vehicle theft cases in Sentul and one in Perak, ACP Ahmad Sukarno said.

"Five of the suspects have been released on police bail and made prosecution witnesses while the remaining suspect has been handed over to Perak police," he added.

ACP Ahmad Sukarno said the police are tracking down the two masterminds.

"We believe the suspects have connections with those working in insurance.

"We urge those with information to contact Sentul police headquarters at 03-4048 2222," he said.