The Police have arrested a 26-year-old man for his suspected involvement in loanshark harassment.
On 20 February 2024, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, where red paint was splashed at the unit and debtor writings were written on the wall.
Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 21 February 2024. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to be involved in other similar cases of loanshark harassment.
The man will be charged in court on 22 February 2024 with offences under the Moneylenders Act 2008. For first time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine between $5000 and $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 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.