Tackling unlicensed moneylending offences and collaborating with foreign law enforcement counterparts to bring down syndicates operating overseas!
By: Ryan Yeo Kee Hng
Sharks are adaptable creatures, and it takes determination and skill to follow their trail and ensure they do no harm.
In our digital world, Unlicensed Moneylending (UML) syndicates have evolved beyond traditional harassment methods like splashing paint on walls and locking gates. Leveraging the anonymity provided by digital channels, syndicates now exploit online platforms and food delivery services to intimidate and extort borrowers.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Alvin Li, Officer-in-Charge of the Unlicensed Moneylending Strike Force (UMSF), is determined to bring UML syndicates to justice.
Can you share with us your career journey in the SPF?
I joined the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 2012. After completing my training, I was posted to Ang Mo Kio Police Division as an Investigation Officer (IO) in 2013. In 2014, I moved to Bedok Police Division as a Team Leader at Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre.
In 2016, I joined the Criminal Investigation Department as a Senior IO in the UMSF. In 2020, I became an Officer-in-Charge in the UMSF, leading a team of IOs to suppress UML activities through investigations, intelligence gathering, enforcement operations, education, and rehabilitation.
What motivated you to become an IO?
Conducting investigations is at the heart of a Police officer’s role. I’m also inspired by the essential qualities of an IO: professionalism, tenacity, perseverance, attention to detail, knowledge of laws, integrity and, above all, a commitment to serving the community.
What’s it like working in the UMSF?
UMSF officers investigate and take actions against organised UML activities, partnering with international law enforcement to tackle cross-border syndicates.
UMSF officers also work closely with key stakeholders from both public and private sectors on the preventive education front by conducting community outreach measures such as anti-UML talks for vulnerable groups.
Youths are often seemingly enticed by "fast-cash" ads on platforms like Telegram or through friends offering quick money opportunities, not realising the serious consequences. We have seen an increase in the percentage of UML arrests involving youths. The percentage of UML arrests involving youths increased from 3.1% from January to May in 2023 to 8.6% in the same period in 2024.
We’ve encountered cases where victims were unaware that the moneylenders they dealt with were illegal. Licensed moneylenders are prohibited from soliciting loans via text messages, phone calls or social media platforms.
What are the challenges of combating UML syndicates?
Due to our rigorous anti-UML laws and robust enforcement measures, UML syndicates have increasingly shifted their operations overseas. They now also tap on tools like spreadsheets and cloud services instead of old-fashioned notebooks to keep track of their borrowers, and use digital platforms like text messages, phone calls and social media to process loans. We’re committed to working with all the relevant parties to stop these trends in their tracks.
What’s a memorable case that you’ve worked on?
In 2019, I handled a case involving the Tua Towkay (big boss) of an overseas UML syndicate. His syndicate operated from an overseas base and was linked to over 1,800 UML reported cases of UML harassment in Singapore. He operated behind the scenes without having direct dealings with the debtors and this made it difficult for debtors to identify and testify against him in open court.
This case is significant to me because we spent over three years tracking him down. We also partnered with foreign law enforcement agencies to arrange his deportation back to Singapore to ensure that he faced justice.
What advice would you give to those interested in pursuing a career as an IO?
IOs must be adaptable, collaborative, and forward-thinking. Staying ahead of criminals requires innovation and knowledge of the latest trends. Challenges are inevitable, but our dedication to finding the truth and upholding the law must never waver.
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