The Police have arrested a 23-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment by fire.
On 25 April 2020, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment by fire along Saraca Road where an improvised Molotov cocktail was used to set fire to the front yard of a private residential property. A debtor’s note was also left behind.
Through follow-up investigation, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and Ang Mo Kio Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 28 April 2020.
The man will be charged in court on 30 April 2020 for loanshark harassment under the Moneylenders Act 2010 (Revised Edition). For first time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine 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 are also looking at possible breaches of safe distancing measures committed by the man.
The Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment activities and dangerous acts which threaten the safety of others. 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 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 illegal loansharking activities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
29 April 2020 @ 7:25 PM