The Police have arrested a 31-year-old man for his suspected involvement in two cases of loanshark harassment.
Between 26 and 27 July 2019, the Police were alerted to two cases of loanshark harassment. In the first case, eggs were thrown at the door of a residential unit along Hougang Avenue 5 and in the second case, paint was splashed on the door of a residential unit along Hougang Avenue 9.
Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 30 July 2019. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to be involved in other similar cases reported island-wide.
The man will be charged in court on 1 August 2019 under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010). 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.
The Police have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, and cause annoyance or disruption to public safety, peace and security, 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 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
31 July 2019 @ 10:39 AM