IPOH: A total of 36 individuals from the notorious “Gang 04” crime group, which is believed to be responsible for multiple crimes including murder, have been hauled to the Sessions Court here today to be prosecuted.
The suspects arrived in court at 9am amid heavy security.
They arrived in five police vehicles, including three Black Maria and two trucks from the Perak police contingent headquarters.
They were escorted by a team of police officers from the Special Task Force on Organised Crime.
Police officers were seen setting up road blocks at Jalan Iskandar and Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab as early as 8am to allow the convoy to pass through smoothly.
It was reported that more than 100 police officers were involved in crippling the gang, which was also responsible for murdering a businesswoman with the title of ‘Datin Seri’ two years ago.
In the special operation code-named Ops Cantas Silver, police detained 36 people aged between 21 and 53, including a ‘Datuk’ who received his title from a neighbouring country.
Perak police chief Datuk Hasnan Hassan had said 26 of the suspects were detained in Perak, Selangor, Melaka and Johor. He said another 10 were arrested in Pokok Sena, Kedah; Sungai Udang, Melaka; Batu Gajah and Taiping.
He had also said police seized cash, jewellery, property and vehicles worth RM4.54 million.
The suspects have been remanded for 28 days from Jan 27 until Feb 24, and are investigated under Section 4(5) of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.
Meanwhile, the compound surrounding the court was packed with members of the public and the family members of the accused.
The suspects will be charged under Section 130V of the Penal Code for being members of and assisting an organised criminal group.
They face a maximum jail term of 20 years if convicted.