The Police have arrested a 23-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment involving setting fire.
On 4 March 2024, the Police were alerted to cases of loanshark harassment at three residential units along Yishun Avenue 6, Tampines Street 41 and Tampines Street 71, where the front doors and walls were set on fire. The walls beside the units were also scribbled with loanshark-related graffiti.
Through swift follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division, Criminal Investigation Department and Police Operations Command Centre arrested the 23-year-old man while he was trying to leave Tampines Street 71. He was arrested within four hours of his first harassment act. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had allegedly intended to continue committing similar loanshark harassment if the Police had not detained him. One bottle containing petrol, one red marker, one lighter, one black motorcycle helmet, one black jacket, one red neck gaiter and a mobile phone were seized as case exhibits.
The man will be charged in court on 6 March 2024 with offences under the Moneylenders Act 2008. For first-time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine of not less than $5,000, and not more than $50,000, with imprisonment of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes. For repeat offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine between $6000 and $60,000, with imprisonment of not less than 2 years and up to 9 years, and with caning of not less than 5 strokes and up to 10 strokes.
The Police have zero tolerance for 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. 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.