KUCHING: Loan sharks were dealt a heavy blow when police tore down over 700 illegal banners plastered across the city during ‘Ops Vulture’ yesterday (Sept 30).
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the Commercial Crime Investigation Division (CCID) mobilised 41 personnel for the operation, which was mounted after receiving nine police reports on the banners.
“A total of 757 banners, which advertised unlicensed moneylending services, were removed from public areas in Gita, Santubong, Tabuan Jaya, Bintawa, Sentral, Padungan, Sekama, Sungai Maong, and Satok.
“Loan shark activities are not only illegal but are often linked to commercial crime cases, including bogus loan scams and extortion of desperate borrowers,” he said.
Alexson reminded the public that carrying out unlicensed moneylending is an offence under the Moneylenders Act 1951 (Act 400), and offenders may face legal action.
Members of the public are urged not to fall prey to the flashy advertisements, which are put up without approval from local authorities, and to report any suspicious postings immediately.
For further advice or information, the public can contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997, follow @CyberCrimeAlertRMP and @JSJKPDRM on Facebook, or verify doubtful bank accounts and phone numbers via http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/.
