5 Foreigners Arrested After Several Tourists in Penang Reported Losing Cash Following Chat with Suspects

The Royal Malaysia Police have received 3 reports of hypnosis theft incidents involving foreign tourists from Taiwan, the Netherlands and Syria, which took place around the Pulau Tikus and Jalan Penang areas. The incidents reportedly happened over just 3 days, from July 30 (Wednesday) to August 1 (Friday).

According to a report by Harian Metro, Penang Police Chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin stated that five foreign suspects, comprising three men and two women, from West Asia have been arrested.

“The police also seized various foreign currencies, 2 vehicles and marijuana, thus successfully busting a criminal group that is seen to be increasingly active in such activities,”

“The group targets tourists from abroad by inviting victims to chat, and during the conversation, the victims are asked to show them the cash they have in their possession. Unknowingly, the victims’ money would be taken by the suspects, and the victims would only realise that their money is missing after the suspects leave,” he said.

This case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code, Section 380 of the Penal Code, Section 6 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

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