12 cops arrested over crypto robbery

12 cops arrested over crypto robbery

KAJANG: Twelve policemen, including four officers from the federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department, have been arrested for gang robbery of about RM200,000 in cryptocurrency from a group of Chinese nationals during a raid in Kajang.

Those detained were an assistant superintendent of police, one inspector, one sergeant, six corporals, two lance corporals and one constable, between the ages of 24 and 47.

They were picked up in a series of coordinated arrests by a special team from the district police headquarters over two days.

The arrests followed a police report lodged by a 31-year-old Chinese market surveyor, who claimed he and seven friends were forced to transfer the cryptocurrency to secure their release after their rented bungalow in a gated community in Country Heights, Kajang, was raided.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, a team of officers from the district’s commercial crime unit raided the double-storey bungalow at 11.10pm on Feb 5, suspecting that the occupants were running a scam operation.

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The officers told the group they were on an anti-scam operation, codenamed “Op Taring”, and suspected the occupants of being involved in online fraud activities linked to a syndicate in Cambodia.

“After inspecting their electronic devices and passports, no evidence of criminal activity was found.

“There was also no record of the complainant and his friends travelling to Cambodia,” a source told the New Straits Times.

The group told police they were market surveyors, employed by a China-based company. The victims, however, were allegedly threatened with arrest and immigration action unless they paid the raiding party RM400,000.

Fearing for their safety, particularly as there were three women in the group, one of the victims contacted his employer in China. After some negotiations, the suspects agreed to a sum of USDT 50,000 (of the tether cryptocurrency), which was transferred to cryptocurrency wallet address provided by the suspects.

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“The payment was made in the early hours, and only after confirmation of the transaction did the officers leave the premises,” the source alleged.

Before departing, the suspects allegedly warned the group to vacate the house within two days or face further action.

Initial investigations led to the arrest of seven policemen from the district’s commercial crime and crime prevention units.

They include officers and personnel with between two and 27 years of service, holding positions such as inspector, sergeant and corporal in intelligence and operational roles.

Subsequent interrogation and intelligence gathering revealed the involvement of five more policemen, including four attached to the cyber and digital forensic units under the federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department in Bukit Aman.

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The four, aged between 35 and 44, have between six and 22 years of service and held positions in cyber tactical and digital forensic investigation units.

They were detained in follow-up operations late on Feb 8.

“All 12 suspects are believed to have been present during the operation at the house,” a source said.

The case is being investigated under Section 395 of the Penal Code for gang robbery.

Investigators seized multiple mobile phones of various brands, along with SIM cards and documents believed to be linked to the police operation.

Remand applications were made at magistrate courts in Kajang and Bandar Baru Bangi to facilitate investigations, including tracing the cryptocurrency transaction.

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The remand was allegedly extended for both groups by the respective courts before they were released on bail.

Police sources stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that the force views the allegations seriously.

The New Straits Times has contacted Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Khalid Ismail, Federal Crime Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar and Selangor police chief Datuk Sazalee Kahar for comment.