On 16 November 2017, Francis Lee Sian Sian, a debt collector from “Double Ace Associates”, was convicted in Court for various offences, including unlawful assembly to commit harassment and mischief with common intention. He was sentenced to an imprisonment term of four years and two months, as well as an additional ten weeks’ imprisonment in lieu of a fine of S$10,000, which he did not pay.
On 15 January 2015, Lee, who was the key perpetrator, and five other debt collectors from “Double Ace Associates” had gone to a food stall in Funan DigitaLife Mall where they disrupted the stall owner’s business and damaged his stall in the course of debt collection.
The other five debt collectors, namely, Chew Keng Leng Andra, David Tan, Tang Wei Leong, Lim Boon Tiong and Yong Chee Meng, had already been convicted and sentenced earlier this year.
While creditors have the right to pursue their debts, debt collection companies must operate within the boundaries of the law. The Police have zero tolerance for lawless acts of harassment and will not hesitate to take stern action against debtor collectors who employ thuggish tactics which threaten the community’s sense of safety and well-being. Those inclined to commit such acts will be pursued and dealt with severely in accordance with the law.
Unreasonable or aggressive debt collection tactics may also constitute a form of harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act (Cap 256A). Victims of harassment may apply to the Court for a Protection Order to stop the harassment. More information on Protection Orders are available on the website of the State Courts (www.statecourts.gov.sg).
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
20 November 2017 @ 8:40 PM