SIBU: Two suspected illegal moneylenders have been arrested for allegedly threatening a local businessman and his family over unpaid money.
The 46-year-old victim claimed that an online moneylending syndicate had deposited RM700,000 into his bank account without his consent.
In a press conference, National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sarawak president Lucas Lau said the syndicate then extorted repayments with a high interest rate from the victim.
He said the victim's ordeal began in January when he began receiving many messages from the syndicate via WhatsApp.
“A total of RM700,000 was allegedly transferred into the victim’s account without any formal agreement," he said at a press conference on Monday (April 13).
Soon after, the syndicate started pressuring the victim to make repayments. But even after repaying some RM1.2mil, the victim was told to pay a further RM1.5mil or the syndicate would harm or kidnap his child.
Under intense pressure, the victim turned to MTPN for help last Friday, which advised him to report the extortion and threats to the police.
Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Azari Miskon, in a statement on Sunday, said police have seized mobile phones, ATM cards, cash and a laptop believed to have been used in the syndicate’s activities.
The case is being investigated under Section 5(2) of the Moneylenders Act 1951 and Section 506 of the Penal Code. The suspects have been remanded to assist investigations.
Lau said MTPN Sarawak is receiving similar complaints on a daily basis, warning that the trend is becoming increasingly serious.
“This is not just a debt issue anymore. It is a criminal scam that is destroying families,” he said, urging the public to be vigilant and avoid easy loan offers circulating on social media.
He added that the purpose of the press conference was to raise public awareness, stressing that anyone could become the next victim if they are not careful.
