Nilai:Police have dismantled seven syndicates involving 47 individuals linked to cable and equipment thefts, as well as break-ins at telecommunication premises in the district. The total losses from these activities are estimated at about RM4.5 million between January and September 30.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nilai district police chief Supt Johari Yahya stated that the arrests included individuals aged 17 to 58 from groups such as Geng Roy TM, Geng Krol Copperstrip, Geng Subcon Amazon, Geng Leong Kabel, Geng Usop Klang, and Geng Intheren Kabel IPG. These suspects were detained in the Nilai and Klang Valley areas.
The modus operandi of these syndicates involved breaking into telecommunication tower sites to steal copper cables, cable drums, and other telecommunication components. Some suspects impersonated telecommunication company personnel to deceive authorities. Targeted items included telecommunications company cables, copper cables, telecommunication card slots, remote radio units (RRUs), and lightning conductors, causing financial losses and service disruptions for consumers.
During the operation, police seized cable rolls, copper lightning conductor strips, cutting tools, bags, sacks, and several vehicles suspected of being used in these activities. The cases are being investigated under various provisions of the Penal Code and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Reported cable theft cases have increased from 50 last year to 72 this year for the same period.
In a separate development, Supt Johari Yahya also reported the arrest of five women, including three foreign nationals aged between 28 and 32, at a budget hotel on suspicion of involvement in online prostitution during 'Op E-Noda,' conducted last month. The suspects allegedly used online applications like WeChat and MiChat to communicate with clients for paid sexual services. Police seized items including condoms, mobile phones, lubricant, and cash believed to be linked to these activities. This case is being investigated under Section 372(1)(e) of the Penal Code and Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.