Johor police have apprehended four individuals allegedly involved in a loan shark-linked “sabotage-for-hire” scheme, in which perpetrators were reportedly paid up to RM800 per job. The suspects—three men and one woman—are believed to have carried out acts of intimidation, including arson and splashing red paint, across Johor Baru (North), Iskandar Puteri, and Kulai.
The arrests were made between Jan 22 and Jan 25 as part of coordinated police operations. Johor Police Chief, Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad, revealed that the suspects were recruited via Facebook and tasked with vandalism, fires, and other scare tactics on properties connected to loan shark activities.
Authorities seized multiple items during the raids, including identity cards, threatening notes, a car, four mobile phones, Molotov cocktail materials, lighters, adhesive tape, marker pens, gloves, masks, and clothing used in the alleged crimes.
Investigations link the suspects to six sabotage incidents, with cases being probed under Section 435 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire—punishable by up to 14 years in prison and a fine—and Section 427 for causing damage or loss, carrying a penalty of one to five years, a fine, or both. Six investigation papers were submitted to the Johor Legal Adviser’s office on Feb 3. Three of the suspects are scheduled to be charged, while one will act as a prosecution witness.
Rahaman also highlighted that police crackdowns on loan shark-related crimes between 2020 and 2025 dismantled 76 syndicates statewide, with 188 individuals charged. He urged the public to avoid social media job offers promising easy money, warning that loan shark syndicates often use such platforms to recruit people for criminal acts.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Johor police hotline at 019-279 2095 or the Johor contingent operations room at 07-221 2999.
