The Police have arrested a man and a woman, aged 24 and 46, for their suspected involvement in two separate cases of loanshark harassment.
In the first case, on 22 April 2019, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment where a debtor note was pasted on the door of a residential unit along Woodlands Avenue 6. Through investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 29 April 2019.
In the second case, on 28 April 2019, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment where the gate of a residential unit along Marsiling Drive was secured with a bicycle lock and loanshark-related graffiti were found scribbled on the wall. Through follow-up investigations, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identity of the woman and arrested her on the same day.
Preliminary investigations revealed that both subjects are believed to be involved in at least 10 similar cases reported islandwide separately.
Both will be charged in court on 30 April 2019. 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 5 years, and mandatory caning of up to 6 strokes.
The Police have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, and cause annoyance and disruptions to public safety 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 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 loansharking activities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
29 April 2019 @ 6:42 PM