Op Jack Sparrow: Police Bust Organised Crime Group Active Since 2023, 17 Held

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has successfully crippled an organised crime group with the arrest of 17 members in operations codenamed Op Jack Sparrow across four states on Sept 11.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the group is believed to have been active since 2023, carrying out violent crimes including murder and arson.

“The arrests, involving individuals aged between 19 and 44, were carried out by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in collaboration with the Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang police contingents on Sept 11,” he said at a press conference here today.

He added that the group’s violent activities had gone viral on social media after a video circulated showing its members carrying out a fatal attack in Taman Sentosa, Klang.

Mohd Khalid said police are also investigating the group’s possible involvement in shooting incidents at restaurants in Brickfields and Cheras last June.

“Further investigations revealed that the suspects collectively had 80 prior criminal records, including 34 drug-related cases,” he said.

Mohd Khalid added that all the suspects were detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), Section 130V of the Penal Code for involvement in an organised crime group, as well as the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

He said the group is estimated to have 33 members, and police are now tracking down the remaining members, including six key individuals led by a local man believed to be the mastermind.

“Investigations discovered that the group’s main motive was profit, along with struggles over territory and influence. Some members are also believed to be involved in drug trafficking and unlicensed moneylending activities,” he said.

According to Mohd Khalid, the success was the result of integrated intelligence and enforcement operations, and it sends a clear message that any party attempting to challenge the law will be brought to justice. He stressed that there will be no tolerance for criminal groups that threaten national security.

-- BERNAMA