By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 16: Police have arrested four local men suspected of involvement in an unlicensed moneylending syndicate that allegedly used paint-splash vandalism to intimidate debtors into repaying loans.
Miri district police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said officers from the district Criminal Investigation Division detained the suspects, aged between 24 and 27, following intelligence gathering and investigations.
“The group is believed to have carried out acts of mischief by splashing paint on victims’ premises as a form of harassment to demand repayment.
“Several items believed linked to the case were seized during the operation,” he said in a recent statement.
The case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief.
Background checks found all four suspects have prior criminal records. They have been remanded to assist further investigations.
Police said the arrests have helped resolve three paint-splash incidents reported in the district so far this year.
Investigations are ongoing to locate the alleged mastermind and other suspects believed to be part of the syndicate.
Authorities are also examining whether the group is linked to similar cases reported in Miri and surrounding areas.
Police said they take unlicensed moneylending activities involving intimidation and vandalism seriously, and urged the public to avoid online loan offers promising easy approval due to potential criminal risks.
Anyone with information related to criminal activity is urged to contact police at 085-433400 or visit the nearest police station. — DayakDaily
