The Police have arrested two men and a woman, aged between 23 and 46, for their suspected involvement in two separate cases of loanshark harassment.
In the first case, on 12 June 2019, the Police received a report of loanshark harassment along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 where a vehicle belonging to an innocent victim was splashed with paint and loanshark-related notes were affixed on the said vehicle. Following the report, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and Ang Mo Kio Police Division mounted a joint operation and arrested the 46-year-old man within 24 hours. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to be involved in at least two other cases of loanshark harassment.
In the second case, on 12 June 2019, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment along Bedok North Avenue 4 where tomato sauce was splashed on the gate of a residential unit, and loanshark-related graffiti was scrawled on the wall of the staircase landing beside the said unit. A 31-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were subsequently arrested by officers from Bedok Police Division. One bottle of tomato sauce, one black marker and one handphone were seized as case exhibits.
The trio will be charged in court on 14 June 2019 for offences under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010). 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.
The Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment. Those who deliberately vandalise properties or cause annoyance and disruption to public 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
13 June 2019 @ 11:10 PM