THREE of the country’s largest organised crime syndicates, whose activities include robberies and migrant smuggling, have been crippled with the arrest of 111 members.

Also detained are the leaders of the groups, called Otong Gang, Halim Gang and Husen Maungdaw Gang.

Otong Gang, headed by an Indonesian, was active in Johor, while Halim Gang, led by a local, was active in Perak. A Rohingya leads Husen Maungdaw Gang, which operated in Penang.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamed told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today that Otong Gang was found to be smuggling migrants since 2014.

“The gang has an estimated 57 members, and was active in smuggling migrants on the east coast of Johor,” he said, without disclosing details of the operation leading to the arrests.

Halim Gang, meanwhile, has about 13 members, and was found to be smuggling migrants in the waters off Hutan Melintang, Perak, since 2017.

“Husen Maungdaw Gang, with 19 members, operated in the waters off Penang and the northern peninsula. It was involved in migrant smuggling and robberies since 2014,” said Huzir, adding that a majority of the members are Rohingya.

He said the gangs continued to operate despite their leaders and members having been arrested several times, with some charged in court.

All those arrested are aged between 28 and 68. Police also seized items worth an estimated RM1.5 million, including 29 mobile phones, a fishing boat, two speedboats, five cars, two motorcycles and cash.

Huzir said police are tracking down two members of Otong Gang, Halim Gang (4) and Husen Maungdaw Gang (2).

“The gang members will be investigated under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.” – Bernama, June 30, 2020.