The Police have arrested two male teenagers and two men, aged between 14 and 24, for their suspected involvement in two separate cases of loanshark harassment.
In the first case, on 3 January 2020, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment where blue paint was splashed on the door and gate of a residential unit along Compassvale Walk. Through investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division established the identities of the two teenagers and arrested them on 7 January 2020. Investigations are ongoing.
In the second case, on 1 January 2020, the Police received a report of loanshark harassment along Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 where the glass door of a shop unit was smashed. Through investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division established the identities of the men and arrested them on 8 January 2020.
The 24-year-old and the 22-year-old men will be charged in court on 9 and 10 January 2020 respectively 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
08 January 2020 @ 9:10 PM