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The Police are investigating 80 persons, aged between 14 and 72, for their suspected involvement in unlicensed moneylending activities, following an unlicensed moneylending suppression operation conducted from 26 to 30 January 2026.

During the five-day operation, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and the seven Police land divisions conducted raids island-wide. Preliminary investigations revealed that seven persons had allegedly harassed debtors at their residence, while 32 others were believed to be runners who assisted in unlicensed moneylending activities by carrying out Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transfers.

The remaining 41 persons were believed to have opened bank accounts and provided their ATM cards, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and/or Internet Banking tokens to unlicensed moneylenders to facilitate their unlicensed moneylending activities.

Investigations against the 80 persons are ongoing.

Under the Moneylenders Act 2008, when a bank account, ATM card or Internet Banking token of any person is used to facilitate moneylending by an unlicensed moneylender, that person is presumed to have assisted in carrying on the business of unlicensed moneylending. First-time offenders found guilty of the offence of carrying on or assisting in a business of unlicensed moneylending shall be punished with imprisonment term of up to four years, a fine of not less than $30,000 and not more than $300,000, and caning of not more than six strokes. First-time offenders found guilty of the offence of acting on behalf of an unlicensed moneylender to commit or attempt to commit any acts of harassment shall be punished with imprisonment term of up to five years, a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000, and caning of not less than three and not more than six strokes.

The Police will continue to take tough enforcement actions against those involved in helping unlicensed moneylending syndicates. This includes firm action against anyone who deliberately vandalises property, causes annoyance or disrupts public safety, peace and security. Anyone who opens or gives away their bank accounts to aid unlicensed moneylenders may also face prosecution and be barred from using ATM and internet banking facilities for a year.

The Police reminds youths that participation in unlicensed moneylending activities, no matter how young the participant, will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law. We urge youths to steer clear of such activities and not to assume that their age will afford them any leniency.

Unlicensed moneylenders frequently resort to persistent and dangerous harassment acts on the borrowers and their families. Typical intimidation tactics include setting fires, splashing paint at their homes, and locking gates with chains or bicycle locks to trap occupants. Members of the public are advised to avoid unlicensed moneylenders and not to work with or assist them in any manner. For foreigners, anyone found borrowing from, or aiding, an unlicensed moneylender will also have their student or work passes cancelled and be subject to deportation from Singapore.

Members of the public can call the Police at ‘999’, the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in unlicensed moneylending activities. All information provided will be kept confidential.