The Police have arrested three youths, aged between 15 and 18, for their suspected involvement in loansharking activities.
On 2 April 2018, the Police were alerted to a case where stickers, with contents soliciting for loans, were affixed on the walls of housing estates along Woodlands Street 31. Through extensive ground enquiries and the aid of images from Police Cameras (POLCAM), vigilant off-duty officers from Jurong Police Division detained the 17-year-old youth along Woodlands Drive 50 on 5 April 2018. The other 2 youths, aged 15 and 18, were arrested along Jurong West Avenue 5 on the same day.
Preliminary investigations suggest that they are also involved in other similar cases. Investigations are ongoing.
Under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010), first-time offenders found guilty of carrying on the business as an unlicensed moneylender or assisting in the business of unlicensed moneylending may be fined not less than $30,000 and not more $300,000, be imprisoned for a term not exceeding four years, and shall also be liable to be punished with caning not more than six strokes.
The Police would like to advise youths to steer clear from all forms of loansharking-related activities, and not to be tempted by the offer of quick and easy money. Parents should be mindful of their children’s activities and educate them not to fall prey to these unscrupulous criminals. The punishments for loansharking-related offences are severe, and parents must intervene promptly should these youths display tell-tale signs of being under the influence of bad company.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
06 April 2018 @ 3:55 PM