JOHOR BARU, Feb 10 — The police have arrested 35 gang members from the notorious Gang 360 secret society, who are believed to be linked to the brutal murder of a moneylender in Taman Pelangi here late last year.

Johor police chief Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd said a nationwide operation was initiated in stages with assistance from Bukit Aman where the suspects —all of them male aged between 20 and 60 — were arrested.

"The suspects, some who are senior members of Gang 360, were all arrested for organised crime activities linked to violence, drugs and also smuggling.

"Police have also seized luxury cars, cash, jewellery and also properties worth RM6.5 million during the operation,” he said at the Johor police contingent headquarters here.

On the murder of 44-year-old Tan Aik Chai at a petrol station in Taman Pelangi late last year, Mohd Khalil said that the Gang 360 members were closely linked to the incident.

He added that a nationwide operation was launched after Tan’s brutal murder.

On December 17 last year, Tan was dragged and stabbed by four suspects in a brazen assault-cum-murder. He was stabbed and run over twice with a white BMW 5-Series by his assailants.

A passer-by captured the incident on video that quickly went viral.

Gang 360 is a known secret society that is involved in violent crime and extortion. The gang has been around for the past 20 years and has nationwide affiliates.

All the suspects will be charged in the Sessions Court tomorrow for involvement in organised crime.