Gang selling stolen vehicle parts busted
KOTA KINABALU: Police have crippled a syndicate involved in selling stolen vehicle parts through an online site after arresting three men on Monday.
City police chief ACP Habibi Majinji said the group, known as ‘Gang Wan’, was believed involved in more than 10 vehicle theft cases around the state capital for the past several months.
After stealing vehicles, the suspects would then dismantle the vehicle parts before selling to the public through an online site known as ‘Gakeps’.
“Following several reports of stolen vehicles and continuous investigation, police raided an unnumbered house at Kampung Sembulan Lama and arrested a 24-year-old man, who is believed to be the leader of Gang Wan, around 11pm on Nov 5.
“Less than 24 hours later, police detained two more suspects at Kampung Muhibah and seized three cars, three motorcycles and dismantled vehicle parts,” said Habibi at a press conference here yesterday.
Habibi said the vehicles and parts that were recovered were believed to be valued at around RM100,000.
The suspects, who are locals and in their 20’s and 30’s, also had previous criminal records, he said.
“All three suspects’ urine also came back positive for drug abuse,” he added.
Police are currently hunting the fourth suspect, who is still at large, while the case is being investigated under Section 379A of the Penal Code.
Habibi reminded the public to be careful when purchasing anything from online sites, especially if the items were sold cheaply.