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A man in Melaka was detained after he burnt his luxury vehicle in an attempt to collect insurance payments to settle his loan shark debts
According to Free Malaysia Today, the suspect committed the act along with another man. They collectively owe RM500,000 to illegal moneylenders.
The duo burnt three vehicles in total. The other two vehicles are Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent.
The vehicles were set on fire at Taman Datuk Tamby Chik Karim, Melaka at 1.40pm on 13 September, reported The Star.
Image via Free Malaysia Today
The police managed to discover their scheme after noticing discrepancies in the details of their police reports
Melaka police chief DCP Datuk Wira Abdul Majid Mohd Ali said the two men — a contractor and a salesman, both aged 36 — were picked up a day after the reports were lodged.
They claimed that they were in dire financial constraints and were left with no choice but to set their vehicles ablaze to collect insurance payments.
“They hoped to receive insurance compensation totalling RM250,000 to settle their debts of RM500,000 owed to the illegal moneylenders,” said the state police chief yesterday, 21 September.
Image via Polis Melaka (Facebook)
“In fact, further investigations have also found that the suspects have a past criminal record of committing arson, robbery, and stealing, including drugs,” Abdul Majid added
Kosmo! reported him as saying that this is the first case involving the modus operandi of burning one’s own vehicle to make an insurance claim.
He said the suspects spent three months planning the act.
Image via Kosmo!
The duo will be remanded until 27 September, reported The Star.
The case will be investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire or any explosive substance.