KUALA LUMPUR – Johor police have scored a major victory against Macau Scam operators with the crippling of Geng Nicky following the arrest of 68 people under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) and for other offences during Op Pelican 3.0.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said the individuals, believed to be members of a gang linked to the fugitive Datuk Seri Nicky Liow Soon Hee, 33, were detained for offences including money laundering.
“During the operation held between March 20 and 30, police seized RM7 million worth of luxury vehicles and foreign currency.
“A pistol and 40 bullets were also confiscated,” he told reporters at Bukit Aman today.
The country’s top cop also revealed that 34 members from the police force are suspected to have links to Liow and will be arrested soon by the Johor police task force.
“Yes, I can confirm that there are members in my force who have been suspected of colluding with Geng Nicky to cover up their crimes. They were warned about cutting their ties to the group much earlier. But investigations and actions since have revealed that there are turncoats in my police force.”
Hamid also said the 48 suspects detained under Sosma comprise 30 locals and 18 Chinese nationals while 12 suspects are arrested under the Immigration Act 1959/ 63 (Act 155) – 11 Chinese nationals and one Myanmar national – and eight locals nabbed under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
“From these arrests, I can confirm that eight VIPs with title of Datuk Seri and six with title of Datuk were arrested in the same operation.”
He also confirmed the arrest of a former deputy public prosecutor over alleged involvement with Liow and his business ties.
The police, he said, are tracking Liow, who is believed to still be in the country.
Aside from being wanted over suspected money laundering and commercial crime syndicate activities, Liow is allegedly linked to international gangs and drug-trafficking activities.
Hamid also confirmed Liow’s links to Wan Kuok Koi, also known as Yin Guoju or “Broken Tooth”, the head of the 14K Triad, an organised crime syndicate in China.
Liow, who is also the founder of the Winner Dynasty Group, is wanted as a suspect under Sections 130 V to 130 ZB of the Penal Code for organised crime offences.
Two investigation papers on Liow have been opened in Johor under Sosma and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
He was previously arrested for assaulting two People’s Volunteer Corp (Rela) members who were on duty at the Kou Ong Yah temple in Kuala Lumpur four years ago before being acquitted and discharged. – The Vibes, March 30, 2021
