Penang: Police are finalising their investigation into an extortion case involving an e-waste factory in Tasek Gelugor, near here, following the arrest of 10 General Operations Force (GOF) personnel to assist in the probe.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang police chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng said the investigation is ongoing as the department continues to gather statements and intelligence before deciding on the next step. "The facts of the case are established, but we are still gathering intelligence and statements. We do not wish to disclose details prematurely, as it could compromise the investigation under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion," he told a press conference at the Penang Police Contingent Headquarters today.
The police report lodged by the victim indicates that a man, believed to be a middleman, allegedly approached him, the owner of the e-waste factory, after an enforcement raid at the premises. Following the report, police began investigations, leading to the arrest of all GOF personnel involved and the middleman to assist in the probe.
Lim stated that all personnel involved are believed to be from the same team that was present during the raid. The police are collaborating with the Department of Environment (DOE) because the case involves an electronic waste processing facility.
Regarding the amount involved, Lim mentioned that the initial police report cited RM60,000, but preliminary investigations suggest the sum may be higher. "We are cautious in revealing details while the investigation is ongoing to avoid jeopardising the probe or causing discrepancies with evidence that may be presented in court," he added.
Earlier, all 10 personnel, aged between 30 and 40, were remanded to assist in the investigation. The group included an Inspector as the most senior member and a constable as the lowest-ranking. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) Deputy Director Datuk Muhammad Abdul Halim was previously reported to have said that all the detained personnel were attached to the GOF Battalion 2 in Kulim, Kedah.