The Police have arrested a man and a woman, both aged 30, for their suspected involvement in a case of extortion.
On 31 May 2020 at about 6.50pm, the Police received a report from a male victim who informed that an online acquaintance had threatened to disclose confidential information relating to the victim if he did not transfer money to him. Between 28 May 2020 and 29 May 2020, the victim had transferred more than $22,500 to a local bank account.
Through ground inquiries and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division established the identity of the duo. Preliminary investigations revealed that the duo were involved in cases of theft of motorcycle and unlicensed moneylending. Following a 3-day operation, officers from Bedok Police Division and Jurong Police Division arrested the duo on 3 June 2020.
The duo will be charged in court on 4 June 2020 with extortion under Section 384 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. The offence of extortion carries an imprisonment term of not less than two years, and not more than seven years, and with caning.
Under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010), for first time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment is punishable with a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000, and with mandatory imprisonment of up to five years. The offence of theft of motor vehicle under Section 379A of the Penal Code carries an imprisonment term of up to seven years and a fine.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
04 June 2020 @ 1:45 PM