The Police have arrested a 69-year-old man for his suspected involvement in five cases of loanshark harassment.
On 19 October 2023 at about 2.10pm, Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Yishun Street 51, where the unit’s main gate was locked with a bicycle lock and pasted with a debtor’s note.
Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Woodlands and Ang Mo Kio Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on the same day at about 8.25pm. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is allegedly involved in four other cases of loanshark harassment in Ang Mo Kio, Punggol and Bishan. Related paraphernalia, including debtor’s notes, were seized as case exhibits.
The man will be charged in court on 21 October 2023 under the Moneylenders Act 2008. For first time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine between $5,000 and $50,000, with 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 or disrupt 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 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.
Photo showing a unit being harassed by loanshark ▼
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
20 October 2023 @ 4:25 PM