Police arrest four Iranian nationals linked to hypnosis gang robberies targeting tourists and locals, with losses exceeding RM30,000.
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested four Iranian nationals suspected of being members of a ‘hypnosis gang’ involved in robbery and theft cases.
The suspects, including a woman aged between 18 and 35, were arrested in a raid at a condominium on Jalan Ampang on Monday.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the suspects are related, with two being siblings and the other two also family members.
Police seized cash and jewellery believed to belong to victims and the suspects during the operation.
Initial investigations found the suspects typically engaged victims in conversation, including on foreign currency matters.
Victims were then believed to suddenly become disoriented before the suspects fled with their cash or valuables.
“The suspects, who target both foreign tourists and local residents, would then flee with the victims’ cash or valuables,” Fadil said.
He was speaking at a ceremony at the Cheras district police headquarters today.
Four police reports have been lodged in connection with the gang’s activities, involving estimated losses exceeding RM30,000.
The latest case was reported on Jan 9 and involved a Sri Lankan national.
The suspects are currently in remand and are expected to be charged next week.
The case is being investigated under Sections 379 and 395 of the Penal Code for theft and gang robbery.