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Kuala Lumpur: The Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) has arrested 12 individuals believed to be involved in a luxury vehicle cloning syndicate operating across several states.

JSJ director M Kumar said Op Lejang Mewah Klon, conducted between March 12 and 15, was the result of five months of intelligence gathering with cooperation from police contingents in Kedah, Kelantan, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

The operation led to the arrest of 10 men and two women, aged between 30 and 60.

“Among those detained was a man wanted by Singapore authorities for car theft. He was handed over to the authority of the neighbouring country on March 16.

“The remaining suspects, comprising buyers, used car dealers and middlemen, have been released on police bail,” he said at a press conference Wednesday. 

Police also seized 12 vehicles of various brands worth an estimated RM1.1 million. Of these, eight were identified as cloned vehicles, while four had been reported stolen in Singapore.

Kumar said investigations revealed that the cloned vehicles had their chassis and engine numbers altered to match the identities of other vehicles, and were fitted with valid Vehicle Ownership Certificates and road tax.

The syndicate is believed to have used the identities of vehicles declared as “total loss” or “beyond economic repair” before manipulating registration data to create new identities.

“These vehicles were sold at prices 50 to 60 per cent below market value to attract buyers and were not openly advertised,” he added.

He advised the public to carry out thorough checks before purchasing vehicles, especially luxury models offered at unusually low prices.

The case is being investigated under Section 379A of the Penal Code for motor vehicle theft, and police are actively tracking down the syndicate’s mastermind and other individuals involved.