GEORGE TOWN: Four men were arrested by police for their alleged involvement in unlicensed moneylending (ah long) activities in Penang.
State police chief Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said the suspects aged between 34 to 42 were arrested during an operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) from Penang and Perak police headquarters at several locations in the state on May 10.
"The suspects detained are believed to be actively involved in intimidating their victims by splashing paint at several housing areas in Penang related to unlicensed money lending involving local and online ah long syndicates," he said in a statement on Sunday (May 11).
Comm Hamzah said during the operation, police seized two marker pens, a set of A4-sized papers, two fake vehicle registration plates, a face mask, a cap, and a sweater.
"In addition, four T-shirts, three pairs of jeans, a can of red paint, a can of thinner, a plastic bag, and a packet of rubber bands were also seized," he said.
He said that the interrogation revealed that the suspects admitted to being involved in 33 cases of paint splashing that occurred in three states, namely Penang, Perak, and Kedah.
He said an inspection of the seized mobile phones also found 33 target addresses of paint splashing incidents believed to have been carried out by the suspects at different locations.
"The case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief causing loss or damage of a certain amount
"If convicted, the offender can be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than one year and not more than five years, or fined, or both," he said.
Hamzah advised the public to immediately lodge a police report if harassed or threatened by individuals or loan shark syndicates to enable appropriate action to be taken.
