The Police have arrested a 39-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman for their suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment.
On 27 February 2025 at about 5.40pm, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Tampines Street 22, where the main gate and door were splashed with red and yellow paint. The wall at the lift lobby near the unit was also scribbled with loanshark-related graffiti.
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 within eight hours of the incident. A mobile phone was seized as case exhibit. Investigations also revealed that they have obtained the jobs through a social media platform.
The duo will be charged in court on 1 March 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
28 February 2025 @ 8:55 PM