KENINGAU: Police crippled a hardcore criminal group actively involved in stealing Telekom Malaysia (TM) cables during a raid at Kampung Mogong-Tangaban, in Tambunan, early Tuesday.
The operation followed intelligence gathering and surveillance conducted by a team of officers around 2.30am, after detecting several individuals behaving suspiciously at the location.
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During the initial raid, one suspect was arrested. Further interrogation of the suspect led to the arrest of three additional accomplices at separate locations.
Keningau District Police Chief Supt Yampil Anak Garai said the four suspects comprised three men and a woman aged between 29 and 49.
One male suspect was found to have an extensive crime record involving 16 criminal cases and 10 drug-related cases, while another suspect is wanted in connection with a case under Section 414 of the Penal Code.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the group’s modus operandi involved pulling underground cables using a Proton Persona, which was also seized during the operation.
To facilitate the removal of the heavy cables, they used special equipment such as chain locks and various metal cutting tools.
The group specifically targeted underground cables containing solid metal due to their high market value. They carried out their activities from night until dawn before dividing the proceeds of the sales equally among themselves.
In addition to the vehicle, police also seized 16 items used in the crime, including iron chains, cable cutters, crowbars, hammers and two mobile phones.
All suspects are currently detained under Section 431A of the Penal Code for committing mischief by cutting or damaging telecommunications cables, which carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, on conviction.
A remand application will be made against all suspects to facilitate further investigations, including urine screening tests, as all members of the group are believed to be involved in drug abuse.
