KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 – The Bintulu District Police have successfully dismantled a local criminal syndicate specializing in the siphoning and illegal sale of diesel fuel, following the arrest of three suspects during a high-stakes two-day operation.
The specialized crackdown, codenamed “Op Lusuh,” was executed by a team of officers on Wednesday and Thursday (Feb 25–26) after a string of reports from disgruntled commercial vehicle owners who found their fuel tanks drained overnight.
Bintulu District Police Chief, Superintendent Nixon Joshua Ali, confirmed that the three male suspects, aged between 22 and 32, were apprehended in separate raids conducted at strategic locations across the district.
During the initial processing, investigators discovered that two of the three suspects were not newcomers to the criminal justice system. They possess prior records involving drug-related offenses and housebreaking across several districts, including Kapit, Sibu, and Song, suggesting a transition into more organized fuel-related crimes.
The syndicate’s operations were characterized by a specific and efficient routine. According to Supt Nixon, the group operated under the cover of darkness, prowling industrial zones and main transit roads.
“The syndicate targeted heavy-duty lorries and commercial trucks that were parked by the roadside or in secluded areas at night,” the Police Chief explained. “Using specialized siphoning tools, they would drain the fuel tanks of these vehicles, transferring the diesel into containers for transport.”
The investigation revealed that the stolen fuel was later sold to third parties at prices significantly lower than the market rate. This “black market” diesel served as a lucrative source of side income for the suspects, fueled by the demand for cheaper fuel among certain operators.
In addition to the arrests, the police seized two vehicles—a Proton Saga and a Proton Waja. These vehicles are believed to have been modified or utilized by the suspects to transport the stolen fuel and facilitate their movement between various crime scenes.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which pertains to theft. If found guilty, the suspects face the possibility of imprisonment, heavy fines, or both.
Supt Nixon emphasized that the police are not closing the books just yet. “We are currently conducting an in-depth investigation to determine if this group is linked to other unresolved diesel theft cases reported recently in the Bintulu region. We are also looking into the buyers of this stolen fuel, as receiving stolen property is also a serious offense.”
The Bintulu police have advised lorry drivers and transport companies to be more vigilant when parking their vehicles overnight and to utilize secure, well-lit parking areas whenever possible to deter similar criminal activities.
