16 nabbed for stealing communication equipment worth RM1.5mil in Negri


SEREMBAN: Police have detained 16 individuals including two women and seized RM1.5mil worth of equipment such as cables which the suspects had allegedly stolen from transmission towers belonging to telcos.

Seremban police chief Asst Comm Mohamad Hatta Che Din said police had received a report on Feb 20 that a 300m long DC (direct current) cable had been cut and stolen from a tower in Taman Kelab Tuanku and a team was set up to track down the suspects.

"The following day, we detained 14 men and two women in an operation and seized items which were believed to have been stolen from these towers.

"Of the 14 men, one was a Bangladeshi," he said in a statement.

The suspects were aged between 25 and 50 years old.

ACP Mohamad Hatta said further checks revealed that four of the suspects had previous criminal records.

He said apart from the DC cables, the suspects also stole radio remote units and lithium batteries.

"We believe these stolen items are then sold to other telcos for a handsome profit.

"Items that are not sold are later disposed of to scrap dealers," he said, adding that the group was believed to have been active since last year.

ACP Mohamad Hatta also urged telcos or members of the public who have information on such thefts to come forward and assist the police in its investigations.

He said they can contact investigating officer Insp Saidi Busman at 011- 3155 8034.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Couple pleads not guilty to RM3.7mil money laundering charges
Lorry collision in Beluran leaves drivers injured, road covered in oil palm bunches
Hotel eateries among 49 food premises in Melaka ordered to shut by Health Dept
Five hospital staff charged with bribery over mortuary services
Pahang aiming to be East Coast's EV assembly, manufacturing hub
Over 2,400 prostitution-related online content removed since 2022, says Fahmi
Gamuda Land breaks ground for two public primary schools at Gamuda Cove
Channel flood relief aid through Nadma to avoid duplication, says Nancy Shukri
Vocational college murder: Deceased admitted he stole money, court hears
Crime rate in country's waters shows downward trend, says MMEA

Others Also Read