Police Smash Seven Cable Theft Syndicates in Nilai, Losses Worth RM4.5 Million

NILAI, Oct 2 – Police have crippled seven organized criminal syndicates and arrested 47 individuals linked to cable theft, equipment looting, and telecommunication facility break-ins across the Nilai district, involving total estimated losses of RM4.5 million between January 1 and September 30, 2026.

Nilai District Police Chief Supt Johari Yahya stated that the suspects, aged between 17 and 58, were apprehended during multiple operations conducted across Nilai and the Klang Valley.

The targeted criminal groups identified include Geng Roy TM, Geng Krol Copperstrip, Geng Subcon Amazon, Geng Leong Kabel, Geng Usop Klang, and Geng Intheren Kabel IPG.

Modus Operandi and Seizures

Speaking at a press conference at the Nilai District Police Headquarters on Friday, Johari revealed that the syndicates breached secured telecommunication tower sites to steal copper cables, cable drums, card slots, remote radio units (RRUs), and lightning conductors. In several instances, suspects impersonated telecommunication company personnel to evade detection by local authorities.

“Such activities not only caused financial losses to telecommunications companies but also compromised network infrastructure and resulted in service disruptions for consumers,” Johari stated.

Police confiscated an extensive array of evidence and tools during the arrests:

• Rolls of telecommunication cables and copper lightning conductor strips
• Specialized cutting tools, including sickles, pliers, and shears
• Storage sacks and transport vehicles, including several cars and motorcycles

The cases are being investigated under Sections 379, 457, 511, and 448 of the Penal Code, as well as Subsections 235(1) and 235(2) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Reported cable theft incidents in the district increased from 50 cases in the same period last year to 72 cases in 2026.

Five Arrested in ‘Op E-Noda’ Vice Raid

In a separate development, Johari reported that five women—including three foreign nationals aged between 28 and 32—were detained at a local budget hotel last month during a vice operation codenamed ‘Op E-Noda.’

Investigations showed that the suspects utilized mobile messaging applications such as WeChat and MiChat to solicit clients for paid sexual services. Police seized mobile phones, condoms, lubricant, and RM1,188 in cash during the raid.

The prostitution case is being investigated under Section 372(1)(e) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

–NMT