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Gang extorts money, damages shop in West Jakarta
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Wrecked construction work in front of a shop in a shopping complex in Cengkareng, West Jakarta on Aug. 27. The damage was reportedly caused by a gang demanding money from the shop owner. (kompas.com/Rindi Nuris Velarosdela)
T
he West Jakarta Police have arrested seven suspects for allegedly extorting money from shop owners in a shopping complex in Cengkareng, West Jakarta.
Police crimes unit chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Edy Suranta Sitepu said the extortionists wrecked construction work at one premises after the owner refused to pay Rp 24 million (US$1,600).
The extortionists, dressed as security officers, argued that the previous tenant had not paid rent along with fines.
“The shop owner had just bought and occupied the shop and wanted to build a small bridge in front of it. The gang then demanded the shop owner give them money,” Edy said as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com on Tuesday.
The gang destroyed the bridge construction when the shop owner rejected their demand.
The police are trying to determine whether the men are staff of a legitimate security agency.
Intan, a shop assistant, said that people in the shopping complex were aware of the gang which often extorted money from the shop owners.
“We know [about them], but none of us had the courage to report them [to the police],” she said as reported by kompas.com.
A shop owner, Sueb, confirmed Intan’s account, saying that although the gang caused trouble people had no choice other than to give them money.
“Their main targets are new tenants. I’ve been running my business here for five years, hence they only ask for money from me on a monthly basis,” he said, declining to reveal the sums he pays. (vla)
