Police arrest 17 members of the Rusaboy Gang, an organised crime group linked to murder and drug trafficking in Kedah and Penang, using SOSMA.
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have crippled the Rusaboy Gang, an organised crime group active in Kedah and Penang, with the arrest of 17 individuals.
The special operation, codenamed Op Tiga, was a joint effort by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Branch, and Kedah CID.
Bukit Aman CID director Datuk M. Kumar said the gang, with about 35 members, is led by a 36-year-old man known as Rames.
“The group is suspected of being involved in various violent crimes, including robbery, causing serious injuries, murder and drug trafficking, as well as extortion activities,” he said.
Kumar stated the gang is believed to be involved in two murder cases linked to turf disputes this year.
All 17 men, aged between 24 and 42, were arrested in an operation conducted from November 27 to December 4.
Initial checks revealed all suspects have prior criminal records for offences including murder and drug trafficking.
Seven of those detained had previously been convicted under the Penal Code and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, being released in January 2024.
“However, after their release, they became active again in organised crime activities,” Kumar added.
The suspects are being investigated under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).
They are scheduled to be charged at the Sungai Petani Sessions Court in Kedah.
Kumar said SOSMA allows police to detain perpetrators and track the entire network of the organised crime group.
Police are now actively tracking down the remaining 15 gang members, including leader Rames.
The CID has also identified several other criminal groups and is actively pursuing action against them.
Kumar urged the public not to join such groups to avoid facing legal action.
