KUALA LUMPUR – Police have applied to Interpol to aid in tracking down and arresting fugitive businessman Datuk Seri Nicky Liow Soon Hee, alleged to be the mastermind of a Macau Scam syndicate with ties to international triads.
Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the move was made as it is believed the 33-year-old suspect is trying to leave Malaysia.
Police believe Liow is currently in the Klang Valley, he told reporters after a police programme at the Tun Hussein Onn teaching institute in Batu Pahat today.
On March 30, state police crippled Geng Nicky with 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 Liow, 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.
The country’s top cop revealed that 34 members of the force are suspected to have links to Liow and will be arrested soon by Johor police.
“Yes, I can confirm that there are members of my force 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 have revealed that there are turncoats in my police force.”
He said the 48 suspects detained under Sosma comprise 30 locals and 18 Chinese nationals, while 12 were arrested under the Immigration Act 1959/63 – 11 Chinese nationals and one Myanmar national – and eight locals nabbed under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
“I can confirm that eight VIPs with the title of Datuk Seri and six with the title of Datuk were arrested in the same operation.”
He also confirmed the arrest of a former deputy public prosecutor for alleged involvement with Liow, as well as his business ties.
Aside from being wanted over alleged money laundering and commercial crime activities, Liow is also said to have links to international gangs and drug trafficking.
Hamid said the businessman has 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 founder of the Winner Dynasty Group, is wanted under Sections 130V to 130ZB of the Penal Code for organised crime offences.
Two investigation papers on him 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 Rela members on duty at the Kou Ong Yah temple here four years ago, but was acquitted and discharged. – The Vibes, April 1, 2021
