While Dato Sri Nicky Liow Soon Hee is on the run, the police have cracked down on his organised crime syndicate.
In a press conference yesterday (30th March), federal police gave a public update on his case. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador stated that a series of operations known as Ops Pelican 3.0 had been carried out from 20th to 28th March.
“A total of 70 raids were held in the Klang Valley, with 118 individuals inspected and 68 arrested with RM770,000 in cash seized,” he said. The arrested individuals, including those with Datuk and Datuk Seri titles, are believed to be close associates with Liow.
Aside from the cash, 16 luxury vehicles worth RM6.67 million, foreign currencies worth more than RM7 million, a Glock pistol, and 40 bullets were seized. “The police also froze 41 bank accounts worth more than RM4 million and seized 35 vehicles worth RM8.86 million, from 21 individuals and 16 entities including the World Winner Emperor Foundation (Yayasan Winner Emperor Sedunia) and Nicky Liow Integrity Organisation Malaysia,” Abdul Hamid added.
Eight individuals with the Datuk Seri title (two men) and Datuk (five men and one woman) were arrested as well. Two of the men, one Datuk and one Datuk Seri, identified themselves as Liow’s brothers aged 28 and 30 respectively. They were found to have previous criminal records involving drugs and assault cases. “Out of the 118 investigated, 48 individuals were arrested under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), with 12 others were arrested under the Immigration Act,” Abdul Hamid said.
The police revealed that Liow fled before the raid with a large sum of his wealth thanks to a tip-off from an officer. While the police have identified the officer responsible, they will be conducting an in-depth investigation to find out if the other party has also accepted bribes to cover the group. Abdul Hamid emphasised that the officer concerned would be dealt with severely if the results prove he violated the code of conduct.
The officer isn’t the only one associated with Liow. Abdul Hamid confirmed that the police have found at least 34 individuals from various law enforcement and government agencies in cahoots with Liow. Apparently, Liow would use his connections to avoid being investigated. Abdul Hamid described Liow as an opportunist; often attending various social events to win others’ trust.
Abdul Hamid stressed that their measures to curb Liow’s criminal activities will continue to intensify and he vowed to investigate the case to its fullest extent. “There have been many criticisms against the police on their inaction against such blatant criminal activities and this gives a bad impression for someone as prominent as Liow who seemed to be allowed to do as he pleased without any repercussion,” he said.
The police are confident that they will be able to arrest Liow soon.
Sources: China Press (1)(2)(3)(4), New Straits Times, Malay Mail
