Four Debt Collectors in Pati Named as Suspects After Forcibly Taking Car Keys
Polresta Pati in Central Java has named four debt collectors as suspects in a case of alleged intimidation and violence against a resident.
“The four perpetrators are suspected of carrying out acts of intimidation and violence during the vehicle credit collection process for the victim. They have now been designated as suspects,” said Kasat Reskrim Dika Hadian Widya Wiratama in Pati on Tuesday (12/5).
The four suspects are identified by initials AG from Pecangaan Subdistrict, Jepara Regency, SW (37) from Pati Subdistrict, Pati Regency, SHD (46) from Mijen Subdistrict, Demak Regency, and NSB (49) from Tahunan Subdistrict, Jepara Regency.
According to him, the suspects are alleged to have been directly involved in an attempt to seize the vehicle belonging to the victim, initialled S (31), a resident of Tlogowungu Subdistrict, Pati Regency.
The incident took place on 27 April 2024 around 10:00 WIB in the car park of GOR Pesantenan in Pati. The victim reported the event because he felt threatened and subjected to coercive actions during the debt collection for vehicle arrears.
In their actions, the suspects approached the victim and demanded payment of the credit arrears. However, the collection process allegedly involved intimidation and threats, culminating in the perpetrators forcibly taking the car keys and vehicle registration document (STNK) from the victim.
The victim also received threats to immediately settle the arrears, or the vehicle would be taken as collateral. When the victim tried to defend his vehicle, one of the suspects allegedly pulled the victim’s arm, causing bruising.
From the investigation results, police secured several pieces of evidence, including one red Toyota Agya vehicle, one vehicle STNK document, one flash drive containing video footage of the incident, and the clothing worn by the suspects during the event.
In addition to examining the victim, investigators from Satreskrim Polresta Pati also took statements from several witnesses at the scene, including YAAP and S.
Polresta Pati emphasised that the case is being handled professionally and reminded debt collectors not to intimidate or use violence against the public in the collection process.
Kasat Reskrim added that vehicle repossession by debt collectors must not be done arbitrarily, especially if accompanied by threats or violence. All collection processes must follow legal procedures and applicable regulations.
For their actions, the four perpetrators are charged under Article 482 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code on Extortion, or Article 449 paragraph (1) letter a of the Criminal Code on joint violence against persons or property, as well as Article 448 paragraph (1) letter a in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of the Criminal Code.