The Singapore Police Force arrested a 20-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment in Pasir Ris.
The police said that they were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment on 25 March at a HDB unit in Pasir Ris Drive 6.
The unit was vandalised and splashed with a liquid mixture comprising of paint and kerosene, and a debtor’s note was also seen pasted onto the wall.
The debtor’s note that was pasted on the wall reads: “Don’t run bro! Next time I burn…?” and the graffiti was also seen spray painted on the unit’s windows.
Officers from the Bedok Police Division managed to establish the identity of the alleged perpetrator through follow up investigations and the use of images from police cameras.
The man was subsequently arrested on 28 March, and preliminary investigations indicated that the man is allegedly involved in another case of loanshark harassment.
The police also seized a mobile phone from the man, who will be charged in court today (29 March) under the Moneylenders Act 2008.
The Singapore Police Force added that they have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment activities.
The police added that persons who intentionally cause annoyance and disruption to the safety and security of the public will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law.
Public members can call the police at 999 or through the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 if they know or suspect anyone to be involved in loanshark activities.
Potential penalties
Vandalism
The stealing, destroying, or damaging of any private and/or public property is an offence under Section 2 of the Vandalism Act.
Persons found guilty of vandalism face a fine of up to $2,000, or a jail term of up to 3 years, and caning of between 3 to 8 strokes.
Loanshark activities
Persons found guilty of carrying out or assisting unlicensed moneylenders face a jail term of up to 4 years, a fine between $30,000 to $300,000, and 3 to 6 strokes of the cane for first-time offenders.
Persons found guilty of harassing someone on behalf of unlicensed moneylenders face a jail term of up to 5 years, a fine between $5,000 to $50,000 and caned between 3 to 6 strokes.
Persons found guilty to providing false contact information to get monetary loans from loansharks face a jail term of up to 12 months.
