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The Police have arrested a 21-year-old Malaysian man for his involvement in a case of loanshark harassment involving fire.

On 6 September 2026 at about 6.40pm, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment involving fire at a residential unit in the vicinity of Jurong East.

Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Police Operations Command Centre and Clementi Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 7 September 2026 within 15 hours of the report.

The man will be charged in court on 9 September 2026 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 and all forms of unlicensed moneylending activities. Foreigners found to have borrowed from, or convicted of aiding the activities of unlicensed moneylenders, will also have their student or work passes cancelled and subsequently deported from Singapore upon completion of their sentence. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruption to public safety, peace and security, will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Julius Lim, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, said: “The Singapore Police Force will spare no effort in bringing to justice anyone who harasses others on behalf of unlicensed moneylending syndicates, especially when lives and property are endangered. In this case, our officers arrested the harasser within 15 hours of the incident. We will remain relentless in pursuing all perpetrators of such crimes”.

Members of the public can call the Police Hotline at ‘999’ if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in unlicensed moneylending activities.

Photo of 21-year-old man assisting in investigations at the scene, where loanshark-related graffiti was found on the wall

Photo of damaged unit caused by fire