JOHOR BARU: A man who claimed to be a Datuk Seri and his accomplice were arrested last week for threatening two victims, including a police inspector.
Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the suspects, aged 56 and 41, were arrested on Feb 25.
"They were arrested following an incident on Feb 22 where the suspects threatened the first victim to pay his debts.
"During their arrests, the one who claimed to be a Datuk Seri also threatened a police inspector by saying 'kalau tuan tangkap saya, saya akan porak-perandakan semua balai polis dan hidup tuan' (if you arrest me, I will create chaos at all police stations and in your life)," said Ayob Khan.
He said checks revealed that the "Datuk Seri" has numerous records of previous criminal offences and was detained twice under the Emergency Ordinance in Simpang Renggam and Pulau Jerejak in the 1980s and 1990s.
The case is being investigated under Section 385 and Section 506 of the Penal Code.
"The 'Datuk Seri' has connections with a number of non-governmental organisations. We believe he donated to these NGOs to cover his criminal activities," said Ayob Khan.
In another case, Ayob Khan said police arrested 10 members of Gang 21 in a series of raids in the state on Jan 16.
The suspects, aged between 29 and 44, were arrested in Kluang, Yong Peng and Johor Baru.
"Checks showed that all the suspects have previous records for drug and criminal offences.
"During the raids, we also seized two shirts with the words Gang 21, 17 mobile phones and two foldable knives," Ayob Khan told a press conference at the state police headquarters.
He said with the arrests, police believe they have solved 14 cases including gang robbery and extortion committed between 2019 and 2020.
"Eight of the suspects were detained under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 while another pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 43 of the Societies Act 1966 and was fined RM1,500. The other suspect was released," said Ayob Khan.