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The Police are investigating 14 persons, aged between 29 and 68, for their suspected involvement in unlicensed moneylending activities following an enforcement operation conducted from 4 to 5 February 2026. 

During the two-day operation, officers from the Unlicensed Moneylending Strike Force of the Criminal Investigation Department conducted island-wide raids. Preliminary investigations reveal that the 14 persons assisted an unlicensed moneylending syndicate believed to be linked to more than 100 police reports in relation to unlicensed moneylending and scam activities. The syndicate is believed to have made unsolicited calls on messaging platforms, sometimes masquerading as licensed moneylenders, to offer loans to unsuspecting borrowers.

The 14 persons are suspected to have assisted the syndicate by performing Automated Teller Machine (“ATM”) transfers and distributing ATM cards to facilitate the syndicate’s unlicensed moneylending operations. Cash amounting to about S$32,000, 80 ATM cards, 27 mobile phones, 25 SIM cards, two calculators and a cash counting machine were seized as case exhibits.

Six of the persons were charged in court on 6 February 2026. Investigations against the remaining eight persons are ongoing.

Under Section 19 of the Moneylenders Act 2008, a first-time offender who carries on or assists in carrying on a business of unlicensed moneylending shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than $30,000 and not more than $300,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding four years and caning of not more than six strokes.

The Police will continue to take tough enforcement action against those involved in unlicensed moneylending activities or those who assist in such activities.

Unlicensed moneylenders frequently resort to persistent and dangerous acts of harassment on borrowers and their families. Typical intimidation tactics include setting fires, or splashing paint on their homes, and locking gates with chains or bicycle locks to trap the occupants. Members of the public are advised to avoid borrowing from unlicensed moneylenders and not work with or assist them in any manner. Foreigners found borrowing from or assisting an unlicensed moneylender will 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, scams or any illicit activities. All information provided will be kept confidential. 

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