The Police have arrested two men, aged 23 and 38, and a woman aged 20 for their suspected involvement in two separate cases of loanshark harassment.
For the first case, on 7 May 2023, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment where the door of a residential unit along Bedok South Ave 3 was splashed with paint. Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division established the identities of the man and woman and they were arrested on 9 May 2023. Preliminary investigations revealed that they are believed to be involved in another case of loanshark harassment at Tampines Street 45. Two mobile phones were seized as case exhibits. The man and woman will be charged in court on 11 May 2023.
For the second case, on 8 May 2023, the Police were alerted to another case of loanshark harassment where the gate of a residential unit along Tampines Ave 9 was secured with a bicycle lock and a debtor’s note was left behind. Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 9 May 2023. One mobile phone was seized as a case exhibit. The man will be charged in court on 11 May 2023.
Under the Moneylenders Act 2008, the offence of loanshark harassment for first-time offenders carries a fine of between $5,000 and $50,000, with mandatory imprisonment of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes.
The Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruption to public safety 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 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
10 May 2023 @ 8:15 PM