The Police have arrested two men, aged 37 and 32, for their suspected involvement in two separate cases of loanshark harassment.
For the first case, on 13 November 2020, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Bedok Reservoir Road, where the door and gate were splashed with paint. Through investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division established the identity of the 37-year-old man and arrested him on 18 November 2020. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to be involved in other cases of loanshark harassment island-wide. One handphone was seized.
For the second case, on 8 November 2020, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Tampines Street 83, where the door was splashed with paint. Through investigations, officers from Bedok Police Division established the identity of the 32-year-old man and arrested him on 19 November 2020. One handphone was seized.
Both men will be charged in court on 20 November 2020 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
19 November 2020 @ 8:25 PM