Five Middle Eastern nationals — three men and two women aged between 19 and 35 — have been arrested in Penang for allegedly stealing from foreign tourists. The arrests were made in the Gurney Plaza area under a police operation dubbed Op Tourist.
Penang acting police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the suspects were linked to three reported thefts involving tourists from Taiwan, the Netherlands, and Syria, which occurred between July 30 and August 1 in Pulau Tikus and Jalan Penang.
Acting on intelligence, a joint team from the Timur Laut District Criminal Investigation Division, Pulau Tikus Police Station, and the Central Police Station apprehended the group. During the raid, authorities seized foreign currency, two vehicles, and a packet of cannabis.
Initial urine tests found that two suspects tested positive for THC, the active component in cannabis.
According to Mohd Alwi, the group approached tourists under the guise of friendly conversation and coaxed them into showing their cash. The suspects would then discreetly steal the money and walk away, with victims only realising the theft later.
All five suspects have been remanded until August 6. The case is being investigated under Sections 379 and 380 of the Penal Code for theft, and Sections 6 and 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Mohd Alwi reminded the public, especially tourists, to stay alert when approached by strangers and to keep their belongings secure. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Penang Criminal Investigation Department Operations Room at 04-222 1624 or the nearest police station.
