We are coming after you, IGP warns loan sharks

IGP Abdul Hamid Bador says loan sharks could face action under the Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLA).

KUALA LUMPUR: Police will embark on a major “war” against loan sharks, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said today, following reports that Ah Long syndicates are becoming more aggressive.

He said police will employ a multi-prong legal approach and anyone found to be involved in loan shark activities will be arrested and prosecuted.

The loan sharks could also face action under Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLA), he told Bernama.

Loan shark syndicates have recently been reported to have become more aggressive, with cases of “defaulters” being pasted in residential areas to shame them into paying up.

Hamid said the Criminal Investigations Department and the Commercial Crimes Investigations Department have also stepped up their efforts to combat illegal gambling activities in the city.

“There have been arrests every week and I observed that there is greater resolve in the force to clean up Kuala Lumpur from these (gambling) syndicates,” he said.

He said police are also taking “drastic action” against gangsterism.

“We will add more manpower in sectors where they are needed to ensure the job is done well and in a more organised manner. I do not want tasks to be done half-heartedly,” he said. - FMT