The Police have arrested a 36-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a series of loanshark harassment cases.
Between 19 and 20 October 2022, the Police received multiple reports of loanshark harassment along Marsling Drive, Dover Close East, Compassvale Street, Bedok Reservoir Road, Yishun Avenue 6, where the gate of several residential units were splashed by paint, secured with bicycle locks and hung with pork.
Through follow up investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and Bedok Police Division established the identity of the man and subsequently arrested him on 21 October 2022. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man was involved in at least six similar harassment cases.
The man will be charged in court on 22 October 2022 under the Moneylenders Act 2008. For first-time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment where damage was caused to any property carries a fine of between $5,000 and $50,000, with mandatory imprisonment of up to five years, and mandatory caning of up to six strokes. Repeat offenders shall be fined between $6,000 and $60,000, with mandatory imprisonment between two years and nine years, and mandatory caning of up to 10 strokes.
The Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruption to public safety and security, will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law.
Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not to work with or assist them in any way. Members of the public can call the Police at ‘999’ or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in illegal loansharking activities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
22 October 2022 @ 8:00 AM