Gang member nabbed for stealing $300,000

BLORA, Central Java: The Jakarta Police, working together with Central Java's Blora Police, arrested Zaini, a member of a gang which stole US$300,000 from visiting representatives of the Rabithah Alam Islami (World Islamic League) during their stay at a Jakarta hotel early this month.

Zaini, who was arrested at his house in Blora regency, admitted that he had spent the money to buy land worth Rp 6.5 million (US$650), a truck worth Rp 83 million, a motorcycle and other construction materials.

He said that the gang had learned various strategies for stealing goods in Malaysia. The police had earlier captured one gang member in Bogor, West Java, and are currently hunting down other members of the gang who were involved in the crime.

The league had planned to donate the money to the Aceh relief efforts. -- JP