KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 — Three men were arrested early yesterday morning at Jalan Kampung Pasir on suspicion of committing a robbery using a fake firearm and impersonating police officers.
Brickfields district police chief ACP Hoo Chang Hook said that at 3.30am, a team from the Pantai police station's Motorcycle Patrol Unit was on patrol in Jalan Kampung Pasir, Pantai Dalam, when they noticed four men acting suspiciously.
A local man reported that three suspects had pointed a gun at him and snatched his identity card, mobile phone, and wallet.
"The suspects then tried to flee on motorcycles but were quickly apprehended by the police team at the location," he said in a statement last night.
Hoo added that the police also recovered several stolen items, including a gun-shaped lighter (imitation pistol), and the 17-year-old victim's personal belongings, including his mobile phone, wallet, and bag.
"Two motorcycles used by the suspects, aged 26 to 35, were also seized in the incident," he said.
The group's modus operandi was to target lone motorcyclists or individuals by introducing themselves as police officers and had been active for the past six months.
"The suspects would then show the imitation pistol to the victims and extort cash or personal items, threatening to take them to the police station if they refused," Hoo said.
The case is being investigated under Section 395 of the Penal Code for gang robbery and Section 170 of the Penal Code for impersonating a public servant.
Checks also revealed that two of the suspects had previous criminal records, including still being wanted in a case under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
