Police bust Nepalese gang involved in blackmail, extortion
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Police detained 11 Nepalese from the 'Penang Young Star' gang, believed to be involved in extortion activities among their countrymen, during two separate raids early today.
The 12.30am raids were conducted at Juru and Taman Perwira here.
During the raids, police also nabbed a man, in his 30s, believed to be the gang leader. He had just arrived from Kuala Lumpur.
Seberang Prai Tengah district police chief Assistant Commissioner Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid said those detained, aged between 22 and 36, also included two women.
"During the raids in the two houses, we also seized several flags and other equipment, used for ritual activities, to initiate new gang members,” he said.
Police added that the gang members detained do not have proper jobs and are believed to be making a living by extorting 'protection money' from their own countrymen.
Azhan said police were still tracking down the remaining gang members in a bid to put a stop to their activities, which had caused unnecessary fear among the people.
"Checks showed the gang had been active for the past year with over 20 members," he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
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