S’pore Man Arrested After Violent Altercation With Debt Collectors Outside Simei Flat
A 57-year-old food stall owner was arrested after allegedly attacking two debt collectors with a golf club outside his Simei HDB flat, following a months-long dispute over an unpaid debt exceeding S$12,000.
The confrontation, which occurred on July 10, marked the first time the debtor met face-to-face with the collectors after ten months of unsuccessful recovery attempts. The three collectors, employed by licensed agency SG Collectors, had been making regular visits—between two to four times monthly—since September 2024 to locate the man, either at his stall or his home.
When the debtor finally emerged that afternoon, a verbal altercation quickly escalated. One of the collectors filmed the encounter, which was later posted on the company’s Facebook page.
Video Shows Verbal Taunts Turn Physical
In the video footage, both sides can be heard exchanging taunts and vulgarities through the gate of the flat. At one point, a collector is seen kicking the gate, prompting the debtor to fetch a wooden stick from inside. While continuing to argue, he spat at one of the collectors before allegedly returning with a golf club.
Moments later, a struggle ensued as the collectors attempted to disarm him. The camera footage became shaky before cutting off entirely, although sounds of a scuffle continued in the background.
According to Zaobao, one collector, surnamed Lin, sustained injuries to his arm and required hospital stitches. Another collector suffered minor injuries. Police confirmed that they responded to a call at 2:25pm and stated that both injured men declined ambulance transport. However, Lin later sought medical attention independently.
Watch The Incident here:
Debt Recovery Agency Admits Heated Exchange, Vows Professional Conduct
In a statement posted online, SG Collectors acknowledged that both parties exchanged abusive language during the incident. The company admitted that one of their staff “responded in the heat of the moment”, but stressed that such verbal provocations do not excuse physical violence.
They also alleged that the debtor had previously used vulgarities in messages to their staff and made threats such as “you don’t know who I am”—behaviour they described as “gangster-like intimidation”.
While the agency said it would be taking internal steps to reinforce professionalism among its staff, they stood by their position that the debtor’s use of force was unjustified.
Legal Action and Public Reaction
Police investigations are ongoing. The man is currently being investigated for voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon, a serious offence under Singapore law.
This incident has stirred online discussions surrounding the ethics of debt recovery tactics, the safety of frontline staff in the industry, and how disputes between debtors and collection agents should be handled.
As debt-related confrontations can quickly spiral into violence, both agencies and individuals are being reminded to de-escalate wherever possible—and to let the law take its course instead of resorting to threats or force.