The Police have arrested three women, aged between 17 and 30, for their suspected involvement in a series of loanshark harassment cases.
On 9 April 2019, the Police received a report that the front gate of a residential unit along Lengkok Mariam was pasted with debtor’s notes. Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Divisions established the identity of three women and arrested them on 28 April 2019. 62 pieces of debtor’s notes were seized as case exhibits. Preliminary investigations revealed that the three women are believed to be involved in other similar cases of loanshark harassment at Pasir Ris Drive 1.
Two women, aged 23 and 30, will be charged in court on 30 April 2019. Police investigations are ongoing against the 17-year-old woman. Under the Moneylenders Act 2010 (Revised Edition), 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 5 years, and mandatory caning of up to 6 strokes.
The Police have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment activities. 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 the loansharks 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
29 April 2019 @ 11:15 PM