Eight traffic cops face extortion probe

KUALA LUMPUR: A case involving eight traffic policemen arrested for allegedly extorting money have been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (ISCD) director Datuk Abdul Ghafar Rajab said the case was handed over to the department to probe the source of more than RM20,000 worth of cash stashed in the office where the eight were based.

“The case has been handed over to CID to investigate where the money came from. The eight arrested are currently being remanded,” he said.

ISCD has also opened an investigation paper to probe claims that the men have been extorting money from foreign workers. They may face disciplinary action if proven guilty.

They are currently being detained and will be permanently suspended from their duties should they be charged in court, said Ghafar.

On Tuesday, an Indonesian and several others were detained by traffic police near Bandar Baru Ampang and taken to a police station.

A friend of the Indonesian, a 33-year-old Myanmar national, went to the police station to get updates on his friend. One of the officers had allegedly asked for RM1,500 for him to release the Indonesian.

The man negotiated and paid RM500 before his friend was released. He then lodged a report claiming that he was extorted, which prompted the ISCD to take action.

During the raid, the team discovered more than RM20,000 worth of cash stashed under the table and in the men’s uniform pockets.

The case is being investigated under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion.