Thieves Allegedly Steal 30 Urns From Memorial Park, Then Demand Ransom For Their Return

Thirty urns have allegedly been stolen from a columbarium in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan in Malaysia. But that isn't the worst part about this case.

According to the New Straits Times, Nilai district police received a report on Feb 26 from Xiao En Memorial Park after its management noticed that urns were missing from the premises.

The management later received a WhatsApp call from an international number, with the caller claiming to have found the missing ashes. They then demanded a ransom for their return.

The case is currently being investigated under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft, Section 384 for extortion, and Section 297 for trespassing in burial places.

Supt Johari Yahya, Nilai district police chief, also said authorities are seeking technical assistance from relevant agencies to trace the communication network and identify the suspect.

The memorial park subsequently confirmed the theft through an official statement on their website, adding that they are also conducting an internal investigation.

Affected families have since been personally contacted and informed of the situation, with the park promising to support each family with the "utmost confidentiality and respect".

The statement read: "We understand the concerns and unease among the affected families and the public, and we deeply regret the distress this may cause."

"We have taken various measures to address the incident and conducted a comprehensive review of all relevant processes to safeguard the families' interests," they assured.

In addition, the park has begun reviewing security measures within its premises and "will strengthen them where necessary".

Earlier this month, police in Johor also confirmed the suspected theft of more than 20 urns from a memorial park in Kulai, though no ransom demand was reported in that case.