The Police have arrested a 38-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man for their suspected involvement in two separate cases of loanshark harassment.
For the first case on 15 January 2024, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment along Tampines Street 71, where a residential unit was splashed with red paint and a debtor’s note was pasted on the gate. Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division, Central Police Division, Tanglin Police Division and Jurong Police Division established the identity of the 38-year-old woman and arrested her on 16 January 2024. Preliminary investigations revealed that she was also allegedly involved in other cases of loanshark harassment islandwide. One mobile phone was seized as case exhibit.
For the second case on 16 January 2024, the Police received a report of loanshark harassment along Pasir Ris Drive 6, where a debtor’s note was placed on the gate of a residential unit. Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division established the identity of the 48-year-old man and arrested him on 17 January 2024. Preliminary investigations revealed that he was also allegedly involved in other cases of loanshark harassment in Bukit Batok and Tampines. One mobile phone was seized as case exhibit.
The woman and the man will be charged in court on 18 January 2024 under the Moneylenders Act 2008. For first-time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine of between $5,000 and $50,000, with mandatory imprisonment of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes.
The Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance or disruption 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 loansharking activities.
Photo of gate splashed with red paint ▼
Photo of debtor’s note pasted at gate ▼
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
17 January 2024 @ 11:00 PM