The Police have arrested a 17-year-old male teenager and two men, aged 24 and 47, for their suspected involvement in two separate cases of loanshark harassment.
For the first case, on 11 August 2020, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment along Choa Chu Kang North 7 where the gate of a residential unit was locked using a padlock. Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Jurong Police Division established the identity of the teenager and arrested him on 25 August 2020. Police investigations are ongoing.
For the second case, on 25 August 2020, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment along Bukit Panjang Ring Road where the gate of a residential unit was locked with bicycle lock. Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Jurong Police Division established the identity of the two men and arrested them on 26 August 2020. Preliminary investigations revealed that the men are believed to be involved in other similar cases of loanshark harassments.
The two men will be charged in court on 27 August 2020 under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010). For first time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine of 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 for 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
26 August 2020 @ 4:50 PM