A senior police officer was among several cops arrested over alleged ties to fugitive businessman Nicky Liow, Johor police chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay has confirmed.
Ayob Khan said Johor’s commercial crime investigation department had arrested the officers in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. He said he would issue a statement once the operation is completed.
“I only want to confirm (the arrests) because the operation is still ongoing. There will be more arrests after this and I don’t want to affect the operation,” he said in a press conference today.
Utusan Malaysia reported that a 40-year-old ASP, who is also the head of a department in a KL district police headquarters, had been arrested last night.
It also reported that the senior officer was detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, or Sosma, and was brought to the Johor police headquarters.
It was previously revealed that Liow had informants within the police force. A former deputy public prosecutor was also believed to be among those who leaked information on a police operation aimed at arresting Liow.
Meanwhile, Ayob Khan said Interpol has issued red notices for Liow and his wife, Chinese national Niu Zhe as Malaysian police continue their hunt for the young Datuk Seri.
He said Interpol approved their request for the red notice for Liow on April 20, while the notice for his wife was issued yesterday.
Liow, 33, is wanted by police on suspicion of being involved in organised crime such as fraud syndicates and money laundering. He has also been linked to a fugitive Chinese triad boss.
Police have arrested 68 individuals believed to be members of Liow’s gang while also seizing 16 luxury vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce and five Alphards, and foreign currency totalling over RM7 million in 70 raids conducted between March 20 and March 28. – FMT