Brinchang: Police have arrested five local men believed to be involved in a group robbery syndicate targeting victims met through a gay dating application on May 30. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad stated that the suspects, aged between 21 and 28, were detained around 11:30 am in Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, by a team from Johor Bahru Selatan district police headquarters (IPD).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, nine local men, aged between 25 and 40, fell victim to the suspects, suffering losses amounting to RM315,220. The robberies occurred in Taman Pelangi and Kampung Majidee between January and May this year. The suspects used the application to find victims and arranged to meet them in a car. Accomplices would then impersonate security personnel and intimidate the victims by accusing them of engaging in indecent activities inside vehicles in public areas.

Victims were assaulted, and personal belongings such as debit and credit cards, jewelry, and cash were stolen. The suspects also obtained the victims' bank card PIN numbers, withdrew money from their accounts, and subsequently purchased gold jewelry. Investigations revealed that the statements obtained from the suspects were consistent with the robbery reports made by the victims.

Ab Rahaman stated that police seized five mobile phones, a Perodua Bezza, a gold purchase receipt, five debit cards, four necklaces, four pairs of earrings, two rings, and two gold bracelets. He added that checks showed all five suspects had prior criminal records involving robbery and drugs, although they tested negative for drugs. The case is being investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code, and three of the suspects will be charged at the Johor Bahru Sessions Court tomorrow.