KUALA LUMPUR: Policemen caught committing commercial crimes will not escape the law, warns Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf.
"I speak for the entire department when I say that we are utterly disappointed that the number of policemen involved in commercial crime has risen," Ramli told the New Straits Times.
He was commenting on Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain's revelation that more policemen were involved in commercial crimes.
Last year 22 policemen were implicated in commercial crime cases. In the first nine months of this year, 23 policemen were suspects in commercial crimes.
Razarudin said the actions of these "selfish" policemen tarnished the image and credibility of the police.
"I always stress the need for drastic changes in our work culture and integrity levels of each policeman, so we remain
respected and relevant.
"Despite the numerous reminders and warnings, integrity and compliance levels are still worrying," he said in a speech at the IGP's monthly assembly.
Ramli said he hoped the public would not judge the entire force solely based on the actions of some policemen.
He said that while syndicates were trying harder to lure policemen into committing or turning a blind eye to crime, policemen were always reminded about the importance of integrity.
Ramli issued a stern warning to those who ignored the reminders and chose to commit crimes, saying the long arm of the law would catch up with them.
"Be it forgery, fraud, or any other offence related to commercial crimes, we will take action against anyone — this includes policemen."