Five Middle Eastern Nationals Arrested in Penang Over Hypnotic Theft of Tourist Cash

GEORGE TOWN: Penang police have arrested five Middle Eastern nationals in connection with a string of thefts involving foreign tourists who were allegedly hypnotised (locally referred to as “pukau”) in the city center.

The suspects, three men and two women, including a married couple aged between 19 and 35, were apprehended in the Gurney Plaza area during a special operation codenamed Ops Tourist, according to Penang acting police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin.

“Between July 30 and August 1, we received three reports from tourists—a 29-year-old from Taiwan, a 45-year-old from the Netherlands, and a 52-year-old from Syria—who claimed they were victims of theft in the Pulau Tikus and Jalan Penang areas,” said Mohd Alwi in a statement issued Sunday.

Acting on the reports, police teams from the Timur Laut criminal investigation division, along with personnel from the Pulau Tikus and Central police stations, launched a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of the five suspects.

During the operation, officers seized multiple foreign currencies, two vehicles, and a packet of cannabis (ganja). Preliminary urine tests revealed that two of the suspects tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.

The suspects reportedly employed a deceptive approach in their crimes. “They engaged tourists in friendly conversation and eventually asked to see the cash the victims had. Once the money was revealed, the suspects took it and quickly left the scene. Victims typically only realized the theft after the group had departed,” Mohd Alwi explained.

All suspects are currently remanded until August 6. The case is being investigated under Sections 379 and 380 of the Penal Code for theft, as well as Sections 6 and 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Mohd Alwi reassured the public of the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety of both locals and visitors. He urged people to remain alert when approached by strangers and to keep personal belongings secure at all times.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Penang Criminal Investigation Department’s operations room at 04-222 1624 or reach out to the nearest police station.