JOHOR BARU: The four policemen who were arrested for allegedly extorting RM45,000 from two businessmen have been placed in non-active units as investigation continues into the case.
Johor police chief Comm M. Kumar confirmed that the officer and three personnel, aged 28 to 44, were arrested following a police report lodged by one of the victims on Aug 28.
“We are currently gathering information related to the incident. Upon completion, the investigation paper will be submitted to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for further instructions.
“The four of them have been released on police bail and placed at non-active units for the duration of the ongoing investigation,” he told a press conference at the state police headquarters here yesterday.
Besides a probe under Section 386 of the Penal Code for extortion, Comm Kumar said an internal investigation would also be launched immediately.
“Although the four of them had no prior disciplinary issues, we will run a two-pronged investigation to ensure transparency,” he added.
Comm Kumar was asked to comment on a report lodged by one of the victims who alleged that two policemen approached him and his friend during their meal at a restaurant in Austin Heights at 5pm on Aug 27.
The report, which circulated on social media, detailed how the policemen allegedly took the victims’ mobile phones and told them to get into a car to be brought to the Seri Alam district police headquarters.
The victims were then ushered into a commercial crime office where two more policemen were waiting inside.
The policemen allegedly told the victims that they were suspected of being involved in a scam and human trafficking syndicate, which could lead to incarceration.
