The Police have arrested two men, aged 23 and 33, for their suspected involvement in two separate cases of loanshark harassment.
In the first case, on 1 December 2019, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment along Ho Ching Road where the door of a residential unit was splashed with paint and loanshark-related graffiti was scrawled on the wall. Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Jurong Police Division established the identity of the 23-year-old man and arrested him along Jurong West St 42 on 17 December 2019.
In the second case, on 10 December 2019, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment along Choa Chu Kang Ave 1 where the door of a residential unit was locked with a bicycle lock and a debtor’s note was left behind. Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Jurong Police Division established the identity of the 33-year-old man and arrested him along Rivervale Crescent on 16 December 2019.
Preliminary investigations revealed that they are believed to be involved in other similar cases reported island-wide. The 33-year-old man will be charged in court on 18 and the 23-year-old man will be charged in court on 19 December 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, cause annoyance and disruptions 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 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
17 December 2019 @ 10:52 PM