KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 ― A “Datuk” said to be the chairman of a non-governmental crime watchdog has been arrested while in the act of receiving cash from an illegal gambling outlet operator.
Police officers from Bukit Aman's Criminal Investigation Department made the capture late last night at the toll plaza in Nilai, Negri Sembilan, and confiscated a total of RM41,000 in cash, Berita Harian reported today.
“I confirm the suspect’s arrest based on the report from the victim who complained of frequent threats.
“The man was arrested while receiving money from the complainant,” Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar told the Malay daily.
According to Berita Harian’s report, the illegal gambling operator had sought police help after allegedly being forced to pay RM25,000 monthly to the 32-year-old “Datuk” to keep quiet about his activities.
It did not state how long the alleged extortion had been taking place.
The police seized a sum of RM25,000 that was reportedly handed to the suspect who was seated in a Toyota Vellfire and another cash package of RM16,000 from the vehicle.
The police are investigating the case under Section 384 and 385 of the Penal Code for extortion and putting fear of injury against a person for extortion, punishable with a jail term of up to 10 years for the first crime and up to seven years for the second crime. Both crimes also provide for whipping and fines upon conviction.
