The Singapore Police Force arrested a 52-year-old man for loanshark activities, they were alerted the case of loanshark harassment on Wednesday and when police officers arrived at the scene, they saw the man painting a gate of a unit that was locked with a bicycle lock.
According to the police’s preliminary investigations, the man responded to a job ad online to provide “painting services” for $150, and that the loansharks had hired him to harass their debtors.
S’pore Police Force’s statement
MAN ARRESTED FOR LOANSHARK HARASSMENT
The Police have arrested a 52-year-old man for his suspected involvement in loansharking activities.
On 30 August 2023, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Bendemeer Road. Upon the arrival of police officers, the man was seen painting a gate of a unit with the gate being secured with a bicycle lock.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had responded to a job offer on an advertisement on a social media platform to provide painting services for a fee of $150. Investigations further revealed that his services were directed by an unlicensed moneylender to harass debtors.
The man will be charged in court on 31 August 2023 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.
The Police would like to remind members of the public to exercise caution when taking up part-time jobs, especially those promising quick and easy money. 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 work with or assist the loansharks 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 loansharking activities.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
31 August 2023 @ 11:45 AM