GEORGE TOWN: A “Datuk Seri” was among 22 men charged in a Sessions Court here with being members of an organised criminal group, the notorious Gang 24.
Ng Chian Sia, who got his title from Pahang, was charged together with Bee Hooi Siang, Chee Chia Heng, Eee Ching Hock, Goh Chun Shien, Jeremy Cheng Yee Fun, Lee Chew Hong, Lim Leong Huat, Mah Chee Seng, Ng Ah Boey, Song Wai Hon, Tan Soo Ching, Tang Soon Poh, Teh Hang Beng, Teh Swee Chin, Teng Kok How, Teng Kok Loon, Teoh Chin Yeow, Teoh Jong Yow, Yeoh Choon Hin, Yeoh Choon Hong, and Yeong Kah Man.
They are all aged between 24 and 55, and were charged with committing the offence between Jan 1, 2015, to Jan 29, 2017, in the northeast district in Penang.
Gang 24 is known for its protection rackets and illegal moneylending.
Penang police chief Comm Datuk Chuah Ghee Lye said in a statement Saturday that the men were active members of Gang 24 and arrested during Ops Cantas Mutiara, which was launched on Jan 28 by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigations Department and Penang Criminal Investigations Department.
On Dec 1, last year, Gang 24's second-in-command – known as "Datuk M" for Datuk Muda – was shot dead by his bodyguard.
Gang 24 became a "super gang" after it merged with the Sio Sam Ong (Three Little Emperors) gang which was behind the slaying of six people in Sungai Petani during a pre-wedding dinner in September 1992.
No plea was recorded from the accused on Monday who nodded to say they understood the charge, read out in Mandarin separately to each of them.
The charge under Section 130V (1) of the Penal Code carries a jail term of up to 20 years upon conviction.
Lawyer Gobind Singh Deo, who acted for accused Ng Chian Sia, asked for a new date to study the charge and to determine whether bail is available.
Sessions judge Roslan Hamid denied them bail and fixed March 20 for mention.Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/02/20/gang-24-twenty-two-charged/#rUpbfTsX0revgJTX.99
