JOHOR BARU: They were hired to splash paint or leave threatening notes at the homes of owners who owed money to loan sharks.
As members of the Shan Geng, they travelled on motorcycles when performing their tasks and received between RM150 and RM300 for each job.
They are believed to have been carrying out their reign of terror for some time and are suspected to be involved in dozens of cases statewide, including in Seri Alam, Iskandar Puteri, Skudai, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Kulai and Mersing.
The gang’s activities came to an end when police arrested six members and seized an array of items in a series of raids several days ago.
Sources said the operations followed a report by a clerk, who alleged that two of her cars were splashed with red paint in Taman Kota Masai in late November.
There was also a threatening note left behind for the victim’s brother, who does not live there, a source said.
Police picked up the suspects across the city, seizing a motorcycle, several tins of red paint and petrol, mobile phones and other items.
A senior police official confirmed the arrests, saying all the suspects, in their 20s, have been remanded to assist in investigations.
The official added that at least three of the suspects have criminal records for causing hurt, drug-related crimes, theft and robbery, among others.
In an unrelated incident, a 60-year-old accountant lost over RM138,000 to a fake investment scheme that promised high profits.
Seri Alam OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the victim was convinced she could earn 20% returns from an online investment plan in a short period of time.
“She withdrew her savings and made two transactions totalling RM138,180 into two bank accounts on Dec 15 and Dec 22.
“The victim became suspicious when asked to deposit more money to cash out her earnings,” said ACP Mohd Sohaimi last Thursday, a day after the victim lodge a police report after failing to receive any of the promised profits.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a term of imprisonment of one to 10 years, caning, and a fine upon conviction.
ACP Mohd Sohaimi advised the public to be cautious of investment offers and to verify them through official sources, such as the Securities Commission, or by using the Semak Mule portal before making any payments.
He also urged victims to lodge a report with the National Scam Response Centre at 997 and notify the police for further action.
