MMEA identifies two to three masterminds in tanker hijacking

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) intelligence has identified two to three masterminds who are believed to be involved in the hijacking of the MT Orkim Harmony tanker.

MMEA deputy directorgeneral (operation) Rear Admiral Datuk Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar said MMEA was collecting information on the kingpins, including their movement and citizenship.

The eight suspects detained in Vietnam must be extradited to obtain information and expedite the investigation process so that the masterminds could be prosecuted,” he told a media conference here yesterday.

He said MMEA would obtain communication data analysis from satellite and mobile telephones used by the eight suspects.

“It is a jigsaw puzzle that we have to fix. We need to gather and convict them.

“We need time, research and cooperation of all parties, including Interpol, neighbouring countries and communities to come forward to provide information to strengthen the finding and determine the individuals involved, he said.

Also present were Maritime Security Forces Commander of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) West Province Abdul Rasyid Kacong and Chairman of the Maritime Security Maritime West Zon U.K Agung.

The MT Orkim Harmony tanker was carrying 6,000 metric tonnes of petrol worth RM21 million when it was reported missing at 8.57 pm last June 11 while on the way from Melaka to Kuantan Port, Pahang.

The eight suspects in the case were detained by the Vietnamese authorities near Tho Chu Island, southern Vietnam on June 19.

Ahmad Puzi said the probe was 50 per cent completed, including all requirement for forensic had been conducted.

“Hence, for the remaining 50 per cent, we have to wait for the eight suspects to be extradited so as to expedite the investigation,” he said.

He said seven cases involving sea robberies/piracy had occured in the South China Sea this year that were categoried into two types, namely ‘hit and run’ or ‘opportunity basis’ and planned crimes including oil robbery involving hijacked vessels while waiting for phantom vessels to transfer the fuel.

The investigation revealed that syndicates were behind planned robberies and thefts comprising players such as mastermind, robbery recruits, informers, robbers, phantom vessels and buyers.

At the function, Abdul Rasyid and U.K Agung gave an assurance of continual close cooperation, including information sharing and human capital development with MMEA to curb hijackings and ensure security in the South China Sea. - Bernama