Vehicle theft syndicates in Malaysia are not limiting their so called 'business' just to the closest neighboring country, Thailand, but are believed to have expanded even to Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.
A source who disclosed the syndicates' modus operandi said, chances would be very slim to find back the stolen vehicles if they had reached those Indochina countries.
He believed that the vehicle theft syndicates in these countries had a strong networking among them which complicated the authorities' effort in handling the cross border crime.
"It is believed, that the cars stolen in Malaysia will be transported via the sea by container ship from Singapore.
"Then, it will stop at its first destination, Thailand. It is also believed that Laem Chabang Port, in Thailand is their main destination (to unload the stolen vehicles)," he told Bernama, recently.
Depending on the situation, the source said, parts of the stolen vehicles in the container would be unloaded in Thailand, and the remaining would continue their journey to the Indochina countries.
If the cars were not sold in Thailand, there were also possibilities of the unloaded stolen vehciles being smuggled into its neighboring countries by land.
Thailand shares land border with three Indochina countries, namely Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, possibly as the final destinations for the stolen vehicle, he said.
"If it reached those countries, the chances to find them back are as good as nothing," he said, adding that information on the stolen vehicles in the three Indochina countries would also be hard to obtain.
According to him, one of the latest and popular trends to sell or 'dispose' of stolen Malaysian vehicles in Thailand was through online websites.
Early this month, Thai police handed over 22 stolen Malaysian vehicles worth RM2.2million found in that country to the Malaysian police.
While last year, Thailand authorities managed to seize 18 luxury vehicles believed to be smuggled by the syndicates via Laem Chabang Port, he said.
The 18 cars, he said, were believed to be only part of 43 luxury vehicles from Malaysia smuggled into Thailand via a container ship, which departed from Singapore.
"However, the remaining 25 car failed to be traced until today," he said.
Similarly for the past several years, he noted that a number of luxury cars and multi-purpose vehicles believed stolen in Malaysia were found driven by new owners at the Myanmar-Thai border, Cambodia and Laos.
He said stolen four-wheel drive vehicles were very popular on the Myanmar's black market while luxury cars and MPVs were famous among Cambodia's black market customers.
There were also allegations saying that the stolen vehicles were used by the high ranking police, armed forces and government officers in certain Indochina countries with new registration. -- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Sep 25 2016
He said stolen four-wheel drive vehicles were very popular on the Myanmar's black market while luxury cars and MPVs were famous among Cambodia's black market customers.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.