Kelantan loan shark ring busted in Op Vulture raids

New Straits Times

a day ago

KOTA BARU: Police have crippled an illegal moneylending syndicate following a series of raids under Op Vulture targeting loan shark activities involving threats and property damage in Kelantan.
State police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the operation, jointly conducted by the Commercial Crime Investigation Department of the state contingent and the Kota Baru district, was held from July 17 to 22.
He added that the two separate raids around Kota Baru led to the arrest of five suspects, aged between 25 and 39, believed to be involved in criminal intimidation and vandalism linked to unlicensed moneylending activities.
"The suspects are believed to have carried out acts such as splashing red paint on victims' houses, pasting threatening notes, smashing windows with stones and locking the victims' gates as a form of harassment and pressure," he said.
Mohd Yusoff said the first suspect was nabbed on July 23 during a raid in Pasir Tumboh near Kubang Kerian.
"This was followed by the arrest of four more suspects on July 25 in connection with a paint-splashing incident in Pasir Hor," he added.
During the operations, he said police have seized 34 items and they included red paint, pens, threat notes, clothing, face masks, mobile phones, and motorcycles believed to have been used in the crimes.
"Early investigations revealed that the suspects were linked to at least nine cases of criminal damage across Kota Baru, Tumpat and Tanah Merah districts," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 5(2) of the Moneylenders Act 1951 and Sections 427 and 506 of the Penal Code for mischief and criminal intimidation.
"All five suspects have been remanded to assist in further investigations," he added.
Mohd Yusoff advised the public not to seek loans through unlicensed sources, including those offered on social media and unverified applications.
He urged borrowers to verify lenders through official channels and conduct financial transactions only with licensed institutions.
He also reminded the public not to accept payments for carrying out red paint attacks or other intimidation acts, as even being hired for such activities constitutes a criminal offence.
"The police will not compromise with anyone who attempts to instil fear in the public for personal gain.
"Any suspicious activity should be reported to the nearest police station or through our official channels," he added.