Recalling a poignant moment during his time on the run in 1999, Ganesan, 59, said: “My daughter saw my face on television because the police were searching for me.
“She always believed I was a legitimate businessman. When she found out about me, she persuaded me to return.
“I was on the run and I had a lot of money, but there was no peace of mind. I was constantly worried about being caught to the extent that my body shivered whenever I heard the siren of a police patrol car,” he said.
Ganesan said he decided to make amends after reflecting how he had disappointed his family, especially his daughter.
He gathered the courage to return home after a year, surrendered himself to the police and spent six years in prison, until his release in 2006.
During his incarceration, Ganesan co-operated extensively with the police.
He also played a pivotal role in persuading other prisoners involved in organised crime to share information about their illicit activities.
The prison director-general at the time, Zulkifli Omar, recognised Ganesan for his exemplary behaviour, co-operation and contributions while in detention, and presented him with a special certificate of appreciation.
Following his transformation, Ganesan actively discouraged members of the younger generation from entering a life of crime, citing a lack of peace of mind and the repercussions of living off illegal activities.
At its peak in the 90s, the Mamak Gang was involved in a string of robberies, including the infamous Subang airport Merdeka Day heist in 1994, when the gang made off with gold bars worth RM12 million from a cargo complex operated by Malaysia Airlines.
Established in the 1980s by five siblings – Mohamed Noor, Sharif, Rozlan, Amirudin, and Yusof Abu Bakar – the Mamak Gang had always managed to elude the authorities. The tide eventually turned in the 2000s, following a relentless police crackdown.
Today, Ganesan is president of an NGO dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of former detainees of Public Order and Prevention of Crime Ordinance, better known as the Emergency Ordinance, which was repealed in 2013.
He also speaks at forums and universities, and fervently advises attendees against taking the perilous path of criminality.
“There is no peace of mind in choosing an illegal route. I may have stolen millions, but that money quickly vanished, illustrating the transient nature of illegal gains,” said Ganesan.
He said the use of illicit funds is complicated because it is dependent on proxies “who may ultimately betray you, leaving you with no recourse but to approach the authorities”.
Ganesan, who founded a logistics company in 2007, now leads a more serene life, free from the burden of secrets. He says he is grateful to be able to use his name for legitimate business endeavours.