A total of 26 members of an organised crime group involved in various violent offences in Sarawak will be charged at the Kuching Sessions Court today.
Director of Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Datuk M Kumar, said the investigation papers were referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers’ Serious Crimes Unit on Monday.
“The prosecution has agreed to charge all 26 members, including three still at large, under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code.
“The charges against all members will be carried out at the Kuching Sessions Court at 2.30pm on Friday,” he said in a statement.
Kumar said 23 suspects were detained during Op Pusak Merah between April 19 and 23, while three others remain at large and are being actively hunted by authorities.
“The group was led by a local man aged 41, with membership comprising 26 individuals aged between 19 and 44.
“All detained suspects are currently under remand under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) until May 18.
“Among the items seized in the operation were a pump gun, a number of 12-bore ammunition rounds of various brands, two samurai swords and two long machetes,” he said.
Kumar said the special operation carried out by Bukit Aman CID in collaboration with the Sarawak CID successfully crippled a criminal syndicate believed to have been active since 2020.
“We have also identified the identities of the three remaining members still at large, and efforts to track them down are ongoing,” he added.
Investigations revealed the group was involved in extortion activities to collect protection money and carried out attacks on premises that refused to pay.
“The group also issued criminal threats and assaulted individuals who refused to comply with their demands.
“They are also believed to have committed various serious offences to expand their influence and gain material benefits for the group,” he said.
He added that the suspects have multiple criminal records, including murder, gang robbery, arson, causing injury and grievous hurt, criminal intimidation, burglary, vehicle theft, possession of stolen goods, and drug trafficking.
“The success of this operation has resolved about 25 criminal cases and dismantled a violent crime syndicate active in Sarawak,” he said.
Since taking over as CID Director in August 2025, Kumar said police have dismantled six organised crime groups, with 81 suspects charged in court under Section 130V of the Penal Code.
“The CID remains committed to continuous operations against any individuals or groups involved in gangsterism and violent crime to ensure public safety and peace,” he added.
