The Police have arrested a 31-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man for their suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment.
On 19 January 2025 at 6.10pm, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Tampines Street 43, where a woman was seen loitering outside a unit, attempting to lock the gate of the unit with a bicycle lock.
Officers from Bedok Police Division responded swiftly to the incident and arrested the woman, together with an accompanying man, at scene. Two bicycle locks, four debtor’s notes, one red marker, one memo pad and two mobile phones were seized as case exhibits. Preliminary investigations revealed that the duo are believed to be involved in other cases of loanshark harassments islandwide. Investigations also revealed that they have obtained the jobs through a social media platform.
The duo will be charged in court on 21 January 2025 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.
Unlicensed moneylenders may recruit persons through social media and online messaging platforms to assist them to carry out unlicensed moneylending activities with promises of quick money-making opportunities. Person recruited are often asked to carry out the following activities:-
- Locking up residences with chains/locks;
- Damaging and defacing properties by splashing paint or pasting debtor’s notes
- Making monetary transactions
- Ceding control of bank accounts or SIM cards;
The Police have zero tolerance against loanshark activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance or 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 work with or assist them in any way. The public can call the Police at ‘999’ if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
20 January 2025 @ 9:45 PM