President Roh Moo-hyun ordered his Cabinet Monday to take steps to punish crimes against the underprivileged and those committed by special interest groups who resort to force to achieve their demands.

The president expressed particular concern about crime rings extorting money from shop owners and street vendors, and the trafficking of loan sharks who physically threaten debtors.

During a meeting with social affairs ministers, Roh stated that "The hardships suffered by the people are being exacerbated two-fold by the economic slump and threats to their personal safety from organized gangs."

Roh also called on law enforcement agencies to deal firmly with illegal collections actions.