JOHOR BAHRU, Oct. 22 -- Police have crippled the notorious Richi Gang criminal group that is believed to be active in a string of burglaries and vehicle theft in Johor since 2022.

A total of nine suspects, including the group's 21-year-old alleged mastermind and de facto leader, were arrested in a series of state-wide police raids between September 21 and 28.

Johor deputy police chief Abdul Latiff Mehat said the suspects consisted of seven men and two women, aged between 21 and 37.

He said all of the suspects, including the suspected mastermind, were locals.

"Initial investigations revealed that the 'mastermind' would determine which home or shophouse to break into before giving the order.

"Members of the Richi Gang are known to brea...