During a patrol in Soamanandrariny, gendarmes arrested individuals suspected of belonging to a motorcycle theft network in the early hours of last Saturday. The investigation subsequently identified their network and the people receiving the stolen motorcycles. In total, six people are involved in this case, including a woman who is still caring for a young child.
Several motorcycles were seized during the operation, including a Kymco Racing 150, a Yamaha C2 Type II, a Yamaha BWS, and a Yamaha Evolution.
The arrest of the first two suspects occurred around midnight on Saturday as part of a special gendarmerie operation to combat motorcycle thefts. The two men encountered a gendarme patrol and were searched. Officers reportedly discovered various items on them, including a device for starting a motorcycle, spare parts, keys, and a flashlight.
According to investigators, the two suspects quickly admitted they were heading to steal a motorcycle. They subsequently agreed to identify their accomplices, who are also said to be from their neighborhood.
"The suspected receiver was arrested and in turn identified two other men who were buying the stolen motorcycles. A woman who was guarding the house and watching over the hidden motorcycles was also arrested as an accomplice. The arrested individuals are suspected of being involved in several two-wheeler thefts committed in the Soamanandrariny sector and surrounding areas, including Ambatomaro, Ankadindramamy, Ambohimahitsy, and Ambohimangakely," the gendarmerie stated.
Aged between 18 and 48, the six suspects are believed to be involved in multiple cases. Some are reportedly repeat offenders, while others have previously been imprisoned for burglary, theft, violence, or receiving stolen goods. Most are said to be from Manjakaray.