Three cops nabbed for extortion of Ampang car salesman

KUALA LUMPUR – Three policemen have been arrested for allegedly being involved in the extortion of a car salesman after the victim was stopped during a routine patrol check along Persiaran Pandan Prima, Ampang, on Tuesday morning.

Ampang Jaya police chief Mohamad Farouk Eshak said two uniformed bike officers, upon flagging the salesman, proceeded to check the contents of his phone and later told him he had committed an offence for wrongful possession of a certain type of document on his device.

“The suspects then demanded a certain amount of money to solve the issue.

“The victim, who grew afraid, then handed over an amount of money in cash and transferred another amount through online banking to an account registered under the name of a local man,” said Farouk in a statement today.

He said the implicated officers aged 36, 40, and 44, who have been serving in the force for more than 10 years, have no previous record of committing disciplinary or drug-related offences while in the force.

“The suspects’ modus operandi is to first spot a victim and then extort them by asking for cash to avoid being caught. Efforts to locate another suspect are ongoing.

“The suspects are still being questioned to establish if they are involved in cases that feature a similar modus operandi,” he said.

He said the three policemen who were arrested yesterday afternoon for suspicion of being involved in the incident, were posted for duty at the Ampang Jaya district police headquarters (IPD).

Farouk said the case is being investigated under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion, which carries a sentence of a fine, whipping, or 10 years’ imprisonment, or any two of the punishments.

“Any member of the public who has had experiences similar to this case is requested to come forward to lodge a police report.

“The Ampang IPD will not compromise with any officer or policeman for any crime that is committed.

“We are always fair in conducting investigations and prosecuting those who are involved,” he added. – The Vibes, January 13, 2022