PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA - The leader of a notorious gang preying on those withdrawing large amounts of cash from banks was shot dead in a shootout with the police.

Herri Berong, 48, identified to be the mastermind behind the 'Berong Gang', is responsible for at least 30 such cases in Klang Valley since 2006.

In the 8pm incident in Bandar Sri Damansara here last night, Herri was believed to have trailed a man, who had withdrawn an undisclosed sum of money from a bank earlier.

Selangor CID chief Senior Asst Comm II Datuk Hasnan Hassan said the gang leader high on the wanted list was spotted by police.

'We believe Herri trailed his targeted victim to his home in Subang Bestari here in Shah Alam and had planned to rob him.'

Police, who seized a .32mm automatic with seven rounds of ammunition from Herri, also found three parangs at the front passenger sear of the Waja.

Hasnan said police have identified at least six more of Berong Gang members and hope to nab them soon.