Police have discovered a new tactic used by illegal money lenders, also known as 'ah long' (loan sharks), to attract clients by using tour companies and tuition centres as fronts for their business.

Some shops selling electrical products are also said to be used as fronts for their operation.

Penang Commercial Crime Investigation Department head ACP Roslee Chik said these tactics were used by the ah long to avoid having their operations from being detected by the authorities.

NONE These tactics were uncovered after police received several complaints, following which raids were conducted at several premises which claimed to be offering tour packages, tuition and electrical goods, he told Bernama .

Roslee said a special team had been set up to curb such activities, adding that police were also working with local authorities to remove advertisements by ah long which were pasted at public places, like bus stands and telephone booths.

He said since the team was formed in July this year, police had conducted 15 raids, where at eight of the premises, they were operating money lending business without a valid licence.

"Police also identified 24 individuals, aged between 20 and 50, including a Datuk, believed to be involved in the illegal money lending business," he added.

- Bernama