The Police have arrested a 30-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment.
On 15 August 2023, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Bedok North Street 3, where the front door and a pair of slippers were set on fire. The walls beside the unit were also scribbled with loanshark-related graffiti.
Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division, Ang Mo Kio Police Division and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) established the identity of the man and arrested him on the same day of the incident. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is also allegedly involved in two other cases of loanshark harassments. Two bottles containing kerosene and thinner, four markers and one lighter were seized as case exhibits.
The man will be charged in court on 17 August 2023 under the Moneylenders Act 2008. 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 imprisonmen of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes.
The Police have zero tolerance for 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 illegal loansharking activities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
16 August 2023 @ 9:05 PM