The Police have arrested a 39-year-old man and 36-year-old woman for their suspected involvement in several cases of loanshark harassment.
Between 11 and 19 December 2018, the Police received several reports of loanshark harassments where vehicles belonging to innocent victims were splashed with paint and the windscreen these vehicles were smashed. Loanshark-related notes were also found affixed on the said vehicles. In another case, the door of a residential unit was splashed with paint and the gate was secured with a bicycle lock.
Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and various Police Land Divisions mounted a joint operation and arrested the suspects in the vicinity of Telok Blangah Crescent on 19 December 2018. During the operation, loanshark-related paraphernalia including bottles of paint, screwdrivers, debtors’ notes and a marker were seized as case exhibits. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had borrowed from unlicensed moneylenders and resorted to committing harassment as he could not pay the debts and interests incurred.
The man will be charged in court on 21 December 2018 under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010). Investigations against the woman are ongoing.
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 five years, and mandatory caning of up to six strokes. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, offenders shall be liable to a fine of not less than $6,000 and not more than $60,000 with mandatory imprisonment of between two to nine years, and mandatory caning of up to twelve strokes.
The Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, or cause annoyance and disruption to public 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 them 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 loansharking activities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
20 December 2018 @ 10:45 PM