KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian police have seized eight cloned vehicles valued at approximately RM1.1 million (roughly $235,000 USD) as part of a nationwide operation targeting a sophisticated vehicle cloning syndicate. The operation, dubbed Ops Lejang Mewah Klon, resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals – 10 men and two women – between March 12 and March 15, according to authorities.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Intelligence/Operations/Records division (D4), uncovered a network that illicitly modified vehicle identification numbers and chassis numbers, often utilizing vehicles previously written off as total losses in accidents. This allowed the syndicate to re-register and sell the vehicles at significantly discounted prices, typically 50% to 60% below market value.
Comm Datuk M. Kumar, the director of the CID, revealed during a press conference that among the vehicles seized were three Toyota Vellfire, two Toyota Estima, and a Toyota Camry. He stated that a 2023 Toyota Vellfire, for example, was sold for just RM100,000 (approximately $21,400 USD) – a fraction of its typical market price. Transactions were primarily conducted in cash, and social media platforms were reportedly used to advertise the cloned vehicles.
Operation Uncovers Multi-State Syndicate
Raids connected to Ops Lejang Mewah Klon were conducted across six states: Kedah, Kelantan, Johor, Negri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, and Selangor. The operation similarly led to the handover of a suspect wanted by Singaporean authorities to the city-state. Comm Kumar noted that the investigation began approximately five months prior to the arrests, with authorities diligently gathering intelligence on the syndicate’s activities.
Notably, all eight cloned vehicles had passed inspections by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Puspakom, a government-authorized vehicle inspection center. This highlights the sophistication of the syndicate’s methods, which involved tampering with and modifying engine and chassis numbers to circumvent standard verification procedures. Four additional vehicles were identified as having been reported stolen in Singapore, adding an international dimension to the case.
Syndicate Tactics and Potential Inside Involvement
The syndicate’s tactics extended beyond simple number modifications. Authorities discovered that the vehicles were often acquired with legitimate JPJ vehicle grants, further obscuring their illicit origins. Comm Kumar emphasized the importance of vehicle owners notifying the JPJ if their vehicles are declared total losses, as this information is crucial in preventing the misuse of vehicle identification numbers by cloning syndicates.
“We are also investigating if there is involvement of inside men, but for now, it’s too premature to say,” Comm Kumar stated. He added that the CID will be seeking assistance from both the JPJ and Puspakom to identify any potential vulnerabilities in the vehicle registration and inspection processes. The investigation remains in its early stages, with authorities focused on identifying all syndicate members, including the mastermind behind the operation.
Police Urge Vigilance and Cooperation
Comm Kumar urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to vehicle sales or modifications. He also stressed the importance of purchasing vehicles from reputable dealers and conducting thorough background checks before completing any transaction. The CID is working to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and prevent further fraudulent activity.
Present at the press conference alongside Comm Kumar were Deputy CID director Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Sukri Kaman and D4 principal assistant director Senior Asst Comm Noor Dellhan Yahaya, underscoring the high-level attention being given to the case. The Royal Malaysia Police, established in 1807, continues to adapt to evolving criminal threats, including those leveraging technology, as noted in a recent statement by the Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail following Comm Kumar’s appointment as CID director.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released details regarding potential charges or the timeline for prosecution. The CID aims to dismantle the entire network and bring all those involved to justice. Updates on the case will be provided as the investigation progresses, and the public is encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement officials.
If you have any information regarding vehicle cloning or suspect fraudulent activity, please contact your local police station or the Bukit Aman CID hotline.
