Police arrest 12 and seize RM1.1 million in cloned and stolen luxury cars after a five-month intelligence operation across multiple states.
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have dismantled a luxury vehicle cloning syndicate, arresting 12 individuals and seizing 12 vehicles worth an estimated RM1.1 million.
The operation, codenamed Op Lejang Mewah Klon, was conducted between March 12 and 15 following five months of intelligence work.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director M Kumar said the operation involved cooperation with police contingents in Kedah, Kelantan, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Ten men and two women, aged between 30 and 60, were detained.
Among those arrested was a man wanted by Singaporean authorities for car theft, who was subsequently handed over to them.
The remaining suspects, identified as buyers, used car dealers and middlemen, have been released on police bail.
Police seized 12 vehicles of various luxury brands during the raids.
Eight of the seized vehicles were confirmed as clones, while four had been reported stolen in Singapore.
Kumar explained that the syndicate altered chassis and engine numbers to match the identities of other vehicles.
These cloned cars were then fitted with valid Vehicle Ownership Certificates and road tax.
The group allegedly used the identities of vehicles declared as “total loss” or “beyond economic repair” to create new registration data.
“These vehicles were sold at prices 50 to 60% below market value to attract buyers and were not openly advertised,” he said.
Kumar advised the public to conduct thorough checks before purchasing vehicles, especially luxury models offered at unusually low prices.
The case is being investigated under Section 379A of the Penal Code for motor vehicle theft.
Police are actively tracking down the syndicate’s mastermind and other individuals involved.
