KUALA LUMPUR — Police have detained five local men believed to be part of a robbery syndicate that targeted victims they met through a gay dating application on May 30.
Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the suspects, aged between 21 and 28, were arrested at about 11.30am in Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, by a team from the Johor Bahru Selatan district police headquarters, Bernama reported.
He said nine local men, aged between 25 and 40, were believed to have fallen victim to the group, with losses totalling RM315,220. The robberies were carried out in Taman Pelangi and Kampung Majidee between January and May this year.
“The suspects used the application to find victims and arranged to meet them in a car.
“Accomplices would then pose as security personnel and intimidate the victims by accusing them of engaging in indecent activities inside vehicles in public areas,” he said at a press conference at the Iskandar Puteri district police headquarters today.
He added that victims were subsequently assaulted, while valuables such as cash, jewellery, and debit and credit cards were taken.
The suspects also allegedly obtained victims’ bank card PIN numbers, withdrew money from their accounts, and used the funds to purchase gold jewellery.
“Investigations found that the statements obtained from the suspects were consistent with the robbery reported by the victims,” he said.
Ab Rahaman said police also seized five mobile phones, a Perodua Bezza, a gold purchase receipt, five debit cards, four necklaces, four pairs of earrings, two rings, and two gold bracelets.
He added that checks showed all five suspects had prior criminal records involving robbery and drug-related offences, although they tested negative for drugs.
The case is being investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code. Three of the suspects are expected to be charged at the Johor Bahru Sessions Court tomorrow. — June 14, 2026