The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has dismantled a bonded lorry theft syndicate operating across Selangor, Johor, Melaka and Kuala Lumpur, following the arrest of seven men, including the alleged mastermind, during a week-long operation.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M Kumar said the suspects, all Malaysian men aged between 32 and 48, were arrested at several locations in Penang and Kuala Lumpur during Ops Lejang Lori Bonded, conducted from 22 to 28 June.
All seven suspects have been remanded to assist investigations.
Police investigations revealed that one of the suspects is believed to be the syndicate’s mastermind, acting as the middleman responsible for recruiting vehicle thieves, illegal warehouse operators, mechanics, transporters and buyers of stolen lorry parts.
Authorities believe the group was involved in at least 18 bonded lorry theft cases reported across Johor, Melaka, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, with estimated losses totalling RM1.23 million.
During the operation, police seized five lorries, a car, a motorcycle and various tools believed to have been used to steal the vehicles.
Investigators also confiscated company documents and payment receipts suspected to be linked to the syndicate’s activities. The total value of the seized assets is estimated at RM400,000.
According to Kumar, the syndicate operated by first securing orders from workshop owners before instructing its members to steal specific lorry models. The stolen vehicles were then taken to illegal workshops and storage facilities, where they were dismantled.
The syndicate allegedly sold the lorry cabins and spare parts separately at prices below market value, advertising them through social media platforms. Members were reportedly paid between RM15,000 and RM18,000 for every successful theft.
The case is being investigated under Section 379A of the Penal Code and Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).
Police have also frozen 13 bank accounts containing a total of RM280,836.10 under Section 44(1) of the same Act.
Kumar urged lorry owners and logistics companies to equip their vehicles with GPS tracking systems and other security features, while ensuring they are parked in secure locations.
He also reminded workshop operators not to purchase vehicle parts without valid ownership documents or items offered at suspiciously low prices, warning that doing so could expose them to legal action.
