19-9-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Exposing a distressing trend, extortion syndicates based in Singapore are impersonating moneylenders on social media platforms, trapping unsuspecting Malaysians into applying for loans that they never receive. Once ensnared, victims are subjected to relentless harassment until they repay the money they never borrowed in the first place.
One such victim is Kwan, a 29-year-old baker from Karak, Pahang, who works in Singapore. Several months ago, he came across a Facebook advertisement for a loan application and decided to click on the link. In hopes of securing a loan of S$10,000 (RM34,000), Kwan filled out the application form. However, he later had a change of heart and decided to cancel the loan request.
To his dismay, soon after cancelling the application, Kwan received a call from the alleged moneylender, who demanded a cancellation fee of S$2,000 (RM6,800). Refusing to comply, Kwan found himself in a whirlwind of troubles.
Using Kwan’s former employer to trace his family house in Karak, the extortionist began harassing Kwan’s family earlier this month. Kwan’s parents, siblings, and wife were relentlessly contacted and threatened, with demands for the cancellation fee.
Adding to the distress, the moneylender informed Kwan’s wife, Chong, that he had deposited S$300 (RM1,020) into her husband’s bank account, presenting her with a fabricated bank-in slip as proof. Fearful for the safety of their family, Chong transferred S$200 (RM680) to the moneylender’s account, but he claimed to have never received the payment.
The situation escalated when the extortionist’s henchmen appeared at Kwan’s family home on two occasions last week, setting fire to the property compound. In addition to the arson, they threatened to kidnap the couple’s two young children, aged four and five, unless an additional S$3,000 (RM10,200) was paid as compensation for the fire.
In response to the escalating harassment, Chong, a 28-year-old storekeeper, together with her in-laws, filed three police reports at the Bentong police station. Seeking assistance, Chong also approached Datuk Seri Michael Chong, the head of MCA Public Services and Complaints Department.
Michael Chong highlighted that the extortion ring operates from Singapore, making it challenging to trace their activities. He emphasized that these syndicates are Singaporean criminals masquerading as moneylenders, specifically targeting Malaysian victims.
“The Singapore police are also aware of these syndicates. Please stop resorting to loan sharks, and if you must, take loans from licensed moneylenders,” urged Chong during a press conference held yesterday.
Michael Chong pledged to meet with the police authorities to address the case and seek appropriate action against the extortionists.
