The Police have arrested two men, aged 18 and 30, for their suspected involvement in two separate cases of loanshark harassment.
In the first case, on 20 May 2019, the Police received a report of loanshark harassment along Woodlands Ring Road, where paint was splashed on the door of a residential unit and a debtor note was left behind. Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him along Bedok North Road on 10 June 2019. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to be involved in other cases of loanshark harassment island wide.
In the second case, on 9 June 2019, the Police received a report of loanshark harassment along Canberra Link, where the gate of a residential unit was locked with a bicycle lock. A debtor note was also found pasted on the gate. With the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 10 June 2019.
The two men will be charged in court on 12 June 2019 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 against loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruptions to public safety, peace and security will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law.
Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not 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
11 June 2019 @ 4:14 PM