The Royal Brunei Police Force, RBPF apprehended 13 suspects since mid-April 2026 in connection to cable theft cases and purchase of stolen goods in several areas of the country. The House Break-In and Car Theft Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigation Department has detained two local male suspects aged 30 and 32 this mid-April in Bandar Seri Begawan, suspected of stealing and damaging Unified National Networks (UNN) cables in a building.

Following investigation, a 39-year-old male foreigner was arrested on the 20th of April under the suspicion of purchasing said stolen cables. In Temburong District, the Bangar Police Station apprehended a 41-year-old local man as well as a local woman, aged 39, on the 13th of April at the vicinity of Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge. Several pieces of metal and rolls of cables were found in their vehicle, and investigation revealed that they stole UNN cables at an area nearby Kampung Bangar. Meanwhile, the Berakas Police Station arrested two male foreigners aged 38 and 39 on the 17th of April. Both suspects, who are construction workers of a project site, were suspected of stealing copper from the very development site where they were employed.

Whereas in Belait District, two local men, aged 34 and 46 were detained on the 23rd of April, suspected of stealing and selling cables in Belait District and Brunei Muara District. And on the 24th of April, 3 local men and a women, aging between 34 to 51, were apprehended at the vicinity of a flat, believed to have been attempting cable theft. The arrests were part of the comprehensive efforts led by the House Break-In and Car Theft Investigation Unit, with the full support of all district police stations nationwide since last year.

Cooperation between authorities at all levels reflected the RBPF's commitment in combating cable thefts that affect the nation's public infrastructure. RBPF reminds the public to report any suspicious activities via hotline 993. Recycling companies are also urged to play a role by reporting to the authorities if they receive materials such as copper of questionable sources. Appropriate action will be taken against companies found to be accepting stolen goods without taking appropriate measures. Under Section 411 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22, whoever dishonestly receives or retains any stolen property is punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years, fine or both. The penalty may be extended for up to 10 years if the offence affects public infrastructure.