The Police have arrested three men, aged between 27 and 47, for their suspected involvement in two cases of loanshark harassment involving fire.
On 24 February 2019, the Police were alerted to two separate cases of loanshark harassments where the doors of two residential units along Woodlands Street 82 and Tampines Street 45 were set on fire. Through investigations, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and various Police Land Divisions identified the three men and arrested them on 26 February 2019.
Two of the men, aged 27 and 38, will be charged in court on 28 February 2019 for offences under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010). Investigations are ongoing against the remaining 47-year-old man.
Under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010), first time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment shall be fined not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000 with mandatory imprisonment of up to five years, and mandatory caning of up to six strokes. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, offenders shall be liable to a fine of not less than $6,000 and not more than $60,000 with mandatory imprisonment of between two to nine years, and mandatory caning of up to 12 strokes.
The Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruptions to public sense of safety, peace and security will be arrested and dealt with severely in accordance with the law.
Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not to work with or assist them in any way. The public can call the Police at ‘999’ or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
27 February 2019 @ 11:45 PM