JOHOR BARU: Police have nabbed four suspects, said to be from an illegal money lending syndicate, whom police believe threatened MCA national public complaints and service bureau deputy chief Chua Jian Boon.

       Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the suspects were arrested between Oct 27 and 31 in separate raids in Johor Baru.

       "On Oct 7, Chua lodged a report after his house was splashed with red paint and was threatened by loan sharks for helping those involved in 'Ah Long' cases.

       "On Oct 27, we arrested three suspects around Permas Jaya and Taman Setia Indah.

       "The fourth suspect was arrested on Oct 31 at Taman Abad at about 2.45pm," he said, adding that the suspects are between 18 and 34.

       Comm Ayob said this in a press conference at the Johor police headquarters on Tuesday (Nov 9).

       "Based on investigation, the syndicate has been offering loans of between RM500 and RM15,000 with an interest rate of between 20% and 30%.

       "With the arrest of the four suspects, we have managed to solve eight loan shark cases in Johor," he said, adding that two of the suspects also have criminal records involving drugs.

       He said that the police have also seized two samurai swords, four car numbers plates and nine phones.

       "Investigation papers have been completed and handed over to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further action.

       "One of the suspects will be charged in the Kulai Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (Nov 10) under Section 507 of the Penal Code," he said.

       Comm Ayob noted that the police had received a total of 240 cases involving loan sharks this year alone, with 75 solved.

       On Oct 7, Chua's family house in Kulai was splashed with red paint.

       The culprits have also left behind a note saying "this is just a start" in front of the house.