The Police have arrested three persons, aged between 15 and 25, for their suspected involvement in two separate cases of loanshark harassment.
On 31 August 2024, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Sembawang Drive, where the main door and gate of the residential unit were splashed with white paint and graffiti was found scribbled on the wall beside the unit.
Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identity of a 15-year-old teenager and arrested him on 2 September 2024. Preliminary investigations revealed that he is allegedly involved in another similar case of loanshark harassment at Woodlands Street 13.
On 2 September 2024, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Yishun Street 11, where the main gate of a residential unit was sprayed with red paint and a debtor’s note was left on the floor in front of the unit.
Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Woodlands, Ang Mo Kio and Bedok Police Divisions established the identities of two men, aged 18 and 25, and arrested them within eight hours of the report. Preliminary investigations revealed they are allegedly involved in other similar cases of loanshark harassment islandwide. A can of spray paint and a black marker were seized as case exhibits.
The three persons will be charged in court on 4 September 2024 under the Moneylenders Act 2008. For first time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine between $5,000 and $50,000, with imprisonment of up to five years and caning of up to six strokes.
The Police have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance or disrupt 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 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.
Photos related to the 1st case at Sembawang Drive ▼
Photos related to the 2nd case at Yishun Street 11 ▼
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
03 September 2024 @ 12:20 PM