News

Malaysian police arrest several members of ATM theft ring, still seek leader

June 2, 2003

IPOH, Malaysia -- Police arrested six Indonesian men for a series of thefts at ATMs that were carried out with the aid of oxy-acetylene torches.

According to a report in the New Straits Times, authorities believe thatseven others from the unnamed Indonesian gang, including its leader Edi Nurdin, 40, remain in hiding in Malaysia. Authorities describe Nurdin as "highly dangerous."

Federal CID director Datuk Seri Salleh Mat Som said the gang had escaped with 2.3 million ringgits (about $605,422 U.S.) after committing 22 ATM robberies in 11 states between September and January.

The gang hit 16 ATMs located at colleges and universities, and two each at supermarkets, factories and public places, according to the New Straits Times.

After every robbery, members of the gang would return to Indonesia, according to the report.

Salleh said the six gang members were arrested in Malaysia in an operation code named Ops Katam Tebu. Police hope to arrest the others, possibly with the assistance of Indonesian police.