The Police have arrested a 22-year-old man for his suspected involvement in several cases of loanshark harassment.
Between September and October 2018, the Police received several reports of loanshark harassments islandwide, where the gates of residential units were chained with bicycle locks.
Through investigations and aid of Police Cameras (POLCAMs), officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and Police Land Divisions established the identity of the suspect and arrested him in the vicinity of New Bridge Road on 8 October 2018. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is believed to be involved in at least seven similar cases of loanshark harassment reported islandwide.
The suspect will be charged in court on 10 October 2018 under the Moneylenders Act 2010 (Revised Edition). 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 five years, and mandatory caning of up to six strokes.
The Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruptions to public sense of safety, peace and security will be arrested and 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 illegal loansharking activities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
09 October 2018 @ 10:00 PM