Two men have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a string of loanshark harassment incidents across Singapore, thanks to swift police work and surveillance camera footage. The suspects, aged 27 and 29, were caught within just 10 hours of the first report made to authorities.
Residential Units Targeted with Paint and Debtor Notes
The police were alerted on 23 July 2025 at around 9.25pm to a series of harassment cases involving residential properties. These incidents saw the main gates and doors of several homes being defaced with red and blue paint. Debtor notes — a hallmark of illegal moneylending operations — were also found left behind at the scene, clearly intended to intimidate residents.
Officers from the Bedok Police Division and the Police Operations Command Centre wasted no time. With the help of footage from Police cameras, they were able to establish the identities of the two men suspected of carrying out the harassment. Both were arrested within 10 hours of the initial report.
Preliminary investigations revealed the duo’s suspected links to at least eight similar cases of loanshark-related vandalism, raising concerns over the growing boldness of such criminal tactics in residential estates.
Suspects to Be Charged Under Moneylenders Act
The two men will be charged in court on 25 July 2025 under the Moneylenders Act 2008, which deals with unlicensed moneylending and harassment activities. First-time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment may face a fine ranging from S$5,000 to S$50,000, imprisonment of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes.
The Singapore Police Force reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against such harassment. A police spokesperson warned that individuals who engage in acts that vandalise property, cause fear, or disrupt public safety will be dealt with severely and in accordance with the law.
Public Advised to Steer Clear of Loansharks
The police also issued a strong advisory to members of the public, urging them not to engage with or assist loansharks in any way. Anyone who suspects loansharking activity or harassment should report it immediately by calling 999.
This latest arrest serves as a strong reminder of the SPF’s continued efforts to clamp down on illegal moneylending networks and the intimidation tactics they often deploy. As loanshark syndicates become increasingly aggressive, police surveillance systems and prompt enforcement remain key tools in tackling the menace.