KUCHING: Police crippled an illegal money-lending syndicate or ‘Ah Long’ in an operation codenamed ‘Op Vulture’ last Tuesday.
Kuching district deputy police chief Supt Merbin Lisa said three suspects, aged 25, 26 and 35, were arrested and 225 money- lending advertisement posters of various sizes were also seized.
“The police also received 25 reports made in connection with money-lending banners around Kuching city.
“The three local men have been arrested for falsely assisting unlicensed lenders by distributing unlicensed moneylender cards,” he said in a statement yesterday.
All three suspects have been arraigned at a Kuching court under Section 29AA of the Unlicensed Moneylenders Act 1954.
In addition, Supt Merbin also warned and strictly prohibited the community from borrowing from “Ah Long”.
“If you are having financial difficulty, it is advisable to contact the Credit Counselling and Management Agency, which is one of the agencies under Bank Negara Malaysia for help,” he said.
The public can get in touch with the police regarding money-lending activities via WhatsApp or SMS at 013-211 1222 (Commercial Crime Investigation Department).
