KUALA LUMPUR: A former Navy man and two others have been arrested for allegedly stealing cars and trucks to be sold north of the border in Thailand.
Sentul OCPD Asst Comm Ahmad Sukarno Mohd Zahari said the three men were arrested during a series of raids on May 13 in Negri Sembilan and Perak.
"The 40-year-old mastermind of the syndicate was caught following a car chase in Kampung Gajah, Perak.
"Based on our investigations, the syndicate targeted Honda Civic and Mitsubishi Pajero vehicles," he told reporters on Tuesday (May 23).
He said all three suspects had criminal records and have since been remanded.
"Based on our investigations, the suspects use an electronic device to disarm vehicle alarms and start the engine. They are able to steal a vehicle within 10 minutes.
"During our raids, we seized fake number plates, electronic devices as well as other tools used to steal cars.
"Our investigations revealed the main suspect is a retired Navy man," he said, adding that the group is believed to have a network in Thailand where they were smuggling the vehicles.
ACP Ahmad Sukarno said the group is linked to seven cases in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak and Negri Sembilan.
"The three suspects have been handed over to Ipoh police for further investigation," he said.
