IPOH: A man in his 30s has been arrested in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, for committing mischief and criminal intimidation here, says Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri.
The Perak police chief said the man was arrested during a special operation on Nov 29 following a police report lodged three days earlier, over an incident where two cars belonging to a victim here had been set on fire.
Comm Mohd Yusri said investigations found that the man has a criminal record with 11 previous offences, including nine for drug-related cases.
"We also seized a car, notices with threats, a mobile phone and clothing believed to have been worn during the crime.
"The man was also tested positive for methamphetamine," he said in a press conference at the state contingent headquarters here on Friday (Dec 1).
Comm Mohd Yusri said the man was a lackey for a Singapore-based loan shark syndicate.
"He is paid to commit criminal intimidation and mischief by fire or splashing paint on properties against debtors or family members of those who failed to settle a debt.
"He would be paid RM1,000 for each task," he said, adding that the man was also involved with 13 other mischief cases in Perak, causing damages of between RM500,000 and RM700,000.
"He is also involved in several other cases in Johor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Pahang.
"He is currently being remanded at the Ipoh police headquarters until Dec 3," he added.
Comm Mohd Yusri said the people are urged to refrain from borrowing from loan sharks.
"Those who failed to settle their debts will cause their family members to be on the receiving end of threats or acts of mischief," he said.
"We urge the people to continue forwarding information of any illegal activities to the police at 05-245 1222 or the emergency hotline to ensure public and property safety can be preserved," he added.
