The Police have arrested four men aged between 14 and 22 in two separate cases of loansharking activities.
In the first case, on 30 March 2016, the Police received a report that the gate of a residential unit at Admiralty Drive had been locked by a bicycle lock. Loanshark-related graffiti was also scribbled on walls nearby while the unit door was splashed with red paint. Through extensive ground enquiries, officers from Ang Mo Kio Division arrested a 14-year-old suspect at Jurong West Street 75 on 31 March 2016. Following the arrest, two other male suspects, both aged 19 also believed to be involved in the case, were subsequently arrested on 1 April 2016 at Jurong West Street 81 and Boon Lay Place respectively. Preliminary investigations revealed that they were believed to have committed similar acts of loanshark harassment at Woodlands and Yishun estates.
In the second case, on 29 March 2016, the Police received a report that the gate of a residential unit at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 was splashed with green paint. Similarly, loanshark-related graffiti was also spotted. Through extensive ground enquiries, officers from Ang Mo Kio Division arrested a 22-year-old suspect at Woodlands Crossing on 1 April 2016. A search was conducted and loanshark paraphernalia such as paint, handphone, black marker and a sling bag were found on suspect and they were seized as case exhibits. Preliminary investigations revealed that he was believed to have committed similar acts of loanshark harassment at Bedok, Bukit Batok, Jurong East and Jurong West estates.
The four suspects will be charged in Court on 2 April 2016 under the Moneylenders Act 2010 (Revised Edition). Under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010), first time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment shall be fined not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000 with mandatory imprisonment of up to 5 years and mandatory caning of up to 6 strokes.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
01 April 2016 @ 5:50 PM