The Police have arrested a 37-year-old man for his suspected involvement in two separate cases of loanshark harassment and theft.
On 15 January 2024, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, where the unit was sprayed with red paint and a debtor’s note was left behind.
Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Ang Mo Kio and Bedok Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 17 January 2024. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is also believed to be involved in other similar cases of loanshark harassments and a case of theft of cash from donation boxes in a mosque along Tampines Road, which was reported on 16 January 2024.
The man will be charged in court on 19 January 2024 with offences under the Moneylenders Act 2008 and Theft in Dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code 1871. For first time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine between $5000 and $50,000, with imprisonment of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes. The offence of theft-in-dwelling carries an imprisonment term which may extend up to seven years and a fine.
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 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.
Photo of gate splashed with red paint ▼
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
18 January 2024 @ 6:55 PM