KUALA LUMPUR: THE Latino gang that hit 17 automated-teller machines (ATMs) in Malacca, Johor and the Klang Valley, escaping with more than RM3 million is believed to have fled the country after executing near-perfect robberies.
Sources close to the investigation said the gang had done their homework thoroughly and hit the ATMs over the weekend after the banks closed their operations on Friday.

“The spree lasted several hours before the banks reopened for business on Monday. They also corrupted the ATM systems to delay detection of the missing cash. This bought them valuable time to disappear once the banks found out what had happened,” the source said.
The police are also working with the Immigration Department in identifying the suspects, believed to be in their 20s and 30s, as well as tightening surveillance at all entry and exit points.

The men’s photofits and descriptions had also been circulated to all law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Security agencies have also sought cooperation from companies that provide money transfer services, as well as money changers, in case the robbers try to use their services to transfer the money out of the country.

Police also believe the group might have used local accomplices, as leads showed they would have needed assistance to carry out such quick and well-planned jobs.

“From the locations of ATMs that were hit, it is very likely that they got assistance from locals. Many of the machines were located at secluded areas and far from each other.

“They would need information from people who knew the ATMs’ whereabouts, as well as the routes to go there,” the source said.
It is learnt that initial investigations also showed that the gang used rented cars to carry out the robberies.
Another source said police had acquired several indications that might lead them to the robbers’ identities.

The progress was aided by evidences recovered from the crime scenes in Johor, Malacca, Selangor and here.
“We are checking on some leads with the Immigration Department. Police investigators have lifted certain evidence, which can give us indications that would help in the hunt,” the source said.

It is learnt that police Forensic Unit acquired evidence after performing checks on and inside the ATMs, as well as the surrounding areas.
The New Straits Times was made to understand that these included several sets of fingerprints, which police believed belong to the robbers.
Immigration Department director-general Datuk Aloyah Mamat, when contacted, said they would conduct checks based on information provided by investigators.

Bukit Aman had also alerted the Interpol on the incidents and sent out the suspects’ photographs.

Meanwhile, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said it was time for the banks to upgrade their ATMs by installing more advanced units.

He said banks should invest in upgrading the ATMS annually to safeguard their money and reputation. “In Malaysia, only one bank upgrades its ATM on a yearly basis. Other banks should emulate it.”

Wan Junaidi also pointed out the type of ATM machine that needed to be upgraded.
These, he said, were the machines that allowed robbers to peel open the back, insert a disc and type in the codes and withdraw the cash.

In Alor Star, Kedah acting police chief Datuk Zakaria Yusof said police here were on high alert for the suspects in the ATM thefts.
Although no case had been reported in the state, surveillance at all ATMs in the state had been beefed up.

BIMB Holdings Bhd, the parent company of Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd, said it had been collaborating with the Association of Banks in Malaysia, as well as other relevant agencies to help curb the ATM hacks. Additional reporting by Jasmime Kaur