Police detain five local men linked to a robbery syndicate targeting victims through a gay dating app, with losses over RM315,000.
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Police have arrested five local men believed to be involved in a group robbery syndicate targeting victims met through a gay dating application on May 30.
Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the suspects, aged between 21 and 28, were detained around 11.30 am in Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, by a team from Johor Bahru Selatan district police headquarters (IPD).
He said nine local men, aged between 25 and 40, had fallen victim to the suspects, involving losses amounting to RM315,220. The robberies took place in Taman Pelangi and Kampung Majidee between January and May this year.
“The suspects used the application to find victims and arranged to meet them in a car.
“Accomplices would then pose as security personnel and intimidate the victims by accusing them of engaging in indecent activities inside vehicles in public areas,” he said in a press conference at the Iskandar Puteri IPD today.
He said the victims were then assaulted, and personal belongings such as debit and credit cards, jewellery, and cash were stolen.
The suspects also obtained the victims’ bank card PIN numbers, withdrew money from their accounts, and subsequently purchased gold jewellery.
“Investigations found that the statements obtained from the suspects were consistent with the robbery reported by the victims,” he said.
Ab Rahaman said police also seized five mobile phones, a Perodua Bezza, a gold purchase receipt, five debit cards, four necklaces, four pairs of earrings, two rings, and two gold bracelets.
He added that checks showed all five suspects had prior criminal records involving robbery and drugs. However, they tested negative for drugs.
The case is being investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code, and three of the suspects will be charged at the Johor Bahru Sessions Court tomorrow.
