A 28-year-old man has been arrested over his suspected involvement in a loanshark harassment case at a residential unit in Jurong West.
The Singapore Police Force said officers were alerted at around 10.55am on Aug. 12 after the main gate of a home along Jurong West Street 41 was allegedly splashed with red paint.
The suspect was reportedly detained by occupants of the home until police officers from the Jurong Police Division arrived at the scene. He was subsequently arrested.
Suspect believed to be linked to other cases
Preliminary police investigations indicated that the man may also be involved in other suspected loanshark harassment cases across Singapore.
The police did not disclose how many other incidents he is believed to be connected to, nor did they provide further details about the other cases as investigations remain ongoing.
Loanshark harassment can involve acts such as vandalising residential properties, leaving threatening messages or otherwise causing disruption and distress to occupants.
In this case, the alleged vandalism involved red paint being splashed onto the gate of the residential unit.
The suspect was due to be charged in court on Aug. 14 under the Moneylenders Act 2008.
Jail, fines and caning possible
Singapore takes a strict approach towards individuals who assist unlicensed moneylending operations or participate in harassment activities carried out on behalf of loansharks.
For a first-time offender convicted of loanshark harassment, the offence carries a fine of between S$5,000 and S$50,000, along with a possible jail term of up to five years and caning of up to six strokes.
The penalties can be severe, particularly where individuals knowingly participate in activities intended to intimidate or harass debtors or their associates.
The police reiterated that they have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment and said those who deliberately vandalise property, cause annoyance or disrupt public safety, peace and security would be dealt with according to the law.
Police warn public against assisting loansharks
Members of the public have also been advised not to associate themselves with loansharks or assist them in carrying out harassment activities.
The warning comes as police continue efforts to tackle unlicensed moneylending and related harassment across Singapore.
People who knowingly carry out acts on behalf of loansharks can face serious criminal consequences even if they are not directly involved in providing illegal loans.
The police urged anyone who suspects that someone may be involved in loansharking activities to report the matter.
Members of the public who require immediate police assistance can contact 999.
The 28-year-old man remains subject to the legal process, and the allegations against him have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty.
The case also highlights the potential legal risks for individuals who agree to carry out seemingly simple tasks for loansharks, as acts of property damage and harassment can result in substantial fines, imprisonment and caning under Singapore law.