21-8-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A notorious robber, part of a larger criminal gang, was fatally shot during a police operation near Bandar Sunway, ending a five-year manhunt, Bukit Aman officials revealed on Wednesday evening.
Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department at Bukit Aman, disclosed that law enforcement had been tracking the suspect since 2018. The deceased, believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s, was a key member of a robbery syndicate responsible for dozens of crimes across Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
“We had been working closely with our Kuala Lumpur counterparts, and Bukit Aman coordinated this operation with Selangor police,” Comm Mohd Shuhaily told reporters at the scene. He recounted the dramatic confrontation, stating, “The suspect was instructed to stop but refused. He then opened fire on the police, with two shots striking a police vehicle.”
The incident marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to dismantle organised crime in the region. Authorities believe the suspect had been operating in Malaysia “for some time,” suggesting a well-established criminal network.
When questioned about the remaining gang members, Comm Mohd Shuhaily estimated that approximately 10 individuals were involved, though he cautioned that this number could fluctuate. “All exit points from the country are under close surveillance,” he added, highlighting the measures in place to prevent potential escapes.
The gang’s modus operandi, as described by Comm Mohd Shuhaily, involved a sophisticated approach to luring victims. “They would offer services online, such as selling jewellery or currency exchange. Victims would be met at a hotel before being transported to another location. Once there, additional gang members would enter the vehicle to carry out the robbery.”
