Five Individuals Arrested in Connection with RM4.6 Million Casino Chips Theft at Genting Highlands
KUANTAN, Nov 7 – Authorities have successfully apprehended five individuals, including the alleged mastermind, in connection with the recent theft of RM4.6 million worth of casino chips at Genting Highlands. This incident represents the largest casino chips robbery ever witnessed at the popular highland resort.
The individuals apprehended include Lee Kien Keong, 44, from Taman Medan Indah Sungai Lui, Raub, who is suspected to be one of the masterminds. Other suspects include Sam Ting Gai, 42, from Taman Sri Damak, Jerantut; Ho Kian Lim, 46, from Kampung Baru Sempalit, Raub; Ho Kian Yew, 51, from Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Johor Baru; and Chung Chee Lui, 39, from Taman Bayu Perdana, Klang, Selangor.
According to Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman, a total of ten suspects, including a Chinese national aged between 30 and 59, were detained in raids conducted at Genting Highlands, Raub, Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, and Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, between October 29 and November 1.
Yahaya explained that the theft of 1,160 chips kept in a special casino room was discovered at 10 am on October 28 by the casino management. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage revealed two men breaking into the room at 7 am on the same day through the backdoor used as an emergency exit.
“It has been discovered that the special casino room was not used for two days, and one of the suspects who was apprehended had worked at the casino. The other suspect, who is self-employed, is believed to be a regular at the casino and is familiar with the surroundings,” Yahaya said during a media conference at the Pahang contingent police headquarters.
After stealing chips with denominations ranging from RM500 to RM10,000, some of the suspects cashed them out within 48 hours, while others used the money for gambling or to settle debts. As of now, the police have managed to seize 428 chips worth RM2.997 million, including 149 pieces obtained from the suspects and 279 pieces cashed out at the casino, estimated to be worth more than RM1 million. Efforts to trace the remaining 732 chips are currently underway.
During the investigation, the police also confiscated RM16,438 in cash from the suspects, along with a gold chain believed to have been purchased using the stolen funds. Additionally, they discovered two Genting Highlands membership cards. Some of the suspects have previous records of drug-related offenses.
Further investigations are being conducted under Section 457 of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 14 years for those convicted.
Members of the public who possess information related to the case can contact the investigating officer at 09-2222222 or the nearest police station.
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