TWELVE policemen, among them four attached to the federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department at Bukit Aman, have been arrested over the alleged gang robbery of approximately RM200,000 in cryptocurrency during a raid on a rented bungalow in Kajang earlier this month.
The detainees comprise an assistant superintendent of police, an inspector, a sergeant, six corporals, two lance corporals and a constable, aged between 24 and 47.
They were apprehended over two days in a series of coordinated operations led by a special team from the district police headquarters, reported The New Straits Times.
The arrests followed a report lodged by a 31-year-old Chinese national, who described himself as a market surveyor.
He alleged that he and seven companions were compelled to transfer cryptocurrency in exchange for their release after their double-storey bungalow in a gated community in Country Heights, Kajang, was raided at about 11.10 pm on Feb 5.
Sources familiar with the investigation said officers from the district’s commercial crime unit had conducted the raid under the belief that those inside were involved in scam activities.
The team reportedly informed the occupants that they were carrying out an anti-scam operation, codenamed “Op Taring”, and suspected links to online fraud syndicates operating out of Cambodia.
"After inspecting their electronic devices and passports, no evidence of criminal activity was found.
"There was also no record of the complainant and his friends travelling to Cambodia," a source said.
The group told officers they were employed as market surveyors by a China-based company.
Despite the absence of incriminating evidence, the victims alleged they were threatened with arrest and possible immigration action unless they paid RM400,000.
Concerned for their safety, particularly as three women were among them, one of the men contacted his employer in China. Following negotiations, it was alleged that the sum was reduced to USDT 50,000 in tether cryptocurrency, which was transferred to a digital wallet address purportedly provided by the officers.
"The payment was made in the early hours, and only after confirmation of the transaction did the officers leave the premises," the source alleged.
Before leaving, the officers allegedly instructed the group to vacate the property within two days or face further consequences.
Initial investigations led to the arrest of seven policemen from the district’s commercial crime and crime prevention units.
Subsequent inquiries and intelligence work uncovered the alleged involvement of five additional officers, including four serving in cyber tactical and digital forensic units under the federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department at Bukit Aman.
Those four, aged between 35 and 44, were detained late on Feb 8.
"All 12 suspects are believed to have been present during the operation at the house," the source added.
The case is being investigated under Section 395 of the Penal Code for gang robbery.
Investigators have seized several mobile telephones, SIM cards and documents believed to be connected to the operation, and are tracing the cryptocurrency transaction as part of the probe.
Remand applications were filed at the magistrates’ courts in Kajang and Bandar Baru Bangi. The remand orders were subsequently extended before all suspects were released on bail.
Police sources stressed that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness and that investigations remain ongoing.
The New Straits Times has sought comments from Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Khalid Ismail, Federal Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar and Selangor police chief Datuk Sazalee Kahar. - February 19, 2026
