KOTA KINABALU: A man who wanted to start his own business selling stolen mobile phones and electronic gadgets saw his dream crushed when he was arrested by the police for robbery. 

Penampang police chief Deputy Supt Haris Ibrahim said the suspect was detained on May 9, after his accomplices were arrested a day earlier around the district.

The suspects, in their 30s, were known as Gang Carlsten and were notorious for house break-ins and robbery. 

DSP Haris said the criminals came to their attention when they received a report from a church leader on April 20, following a break-in at their establishment. 

"Musical instruments such as electric guitars and piano, as well as a megaphone, were stolen from them," he added. 

He said police then launched a special operation to track down the three suspects and arrested two of them on May 8 in Penampang.

According to him, both suspects had previous records of drug abuse. 

"Upon being interrogated, they revealed the identity of the third accomplice, and he was arrested at home the next day. 

"The stolen musical instruments were found in his house.

"The team also found another 24 stolen items, including mobile phones, tabs and laptops amounting to RM16,500," he noted. 

DSP Haris explained that the third suspect had actually bought these stolen items because he wanted to open a shop to sell them. 

The case is being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code for house break-in and theft.