Police arrest five Chinese nationals linked to ‘Geng Guangxi’ pickpocketing gang targeting tourists in Melaka, with items seized.
MELAKA: Police have arrested five Chinese nationals believed to be members of ‘Geng Guangxi’, a pickpocketing gang suspected of targeting tourists at popular attractions around Melaka.
Melaka Tengah district police chief ACP Christopher Patit said the suspects, aged between 29 and 62, were detained in two separate raids carried out in Melaka and Kuala Lumpur between April 25 and 29.
“The arrests were made following a report received on April 25 involving a Chinese tourist who lost a wallet containing cash and credit cards while at Jonker Walk here,” he said in a statement today.
He said through a special operation, two suspects were arrested on the same day at Dataran Pahlawan in Banda Hilir and further investigations led to the arrest of three more suspects at a condominium in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur on April 29.
“Police also seized various items including seven mobile phones of various brands, two sling bags, two wallets, foreign identification cards and foreign currencies from several countries,” he said.
According to him, all the suspects will be charged under Section 379 of the Penal Code and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying in the country.
“The public, especially tourists, are advised to remain vigilant and take care of their personal belongings when in crowded areas to avoid becoming victims of pickpocketing crimes,” he added.
