In a crackdown on loanshark harassment, the Singapore Police have arrested two men, aged 37 and 58, suspected to be involved in separate cases of loanshark-related activities. The arrests came after two incidents were reported on January 17, 2024, involving debtors’ writings in red ink on residential properties in Sengkang West Way and Buangkok Crescent.
Arrest Details
Following swift investigations and utilizing images captured by Police cameras, officers from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division successfully identified the two suspects. The arrests were carried out on January 19, 2024. The suspects, aged 37 and 58, are now in police custody.
During the arrests, law enforcement confiscated items believed to be related to the crimes, including one red marker and one black marker. Preliminary investigations suggest that both individuals might be linked to additional cases of loanshark harassment.
The two men are scheduled to be charged in court on January 20, 2024, under the Moneylenders Act 2008. If convicted, as first-time offenders, they could face fines ranging from $5000 to $50,000, imprisonment of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes.
S’pore Police’s Statement
TWO MEN ARRESTED IN TWO SEPARATE CASES OF LOANSHARK HARASSMENT
The Police have arrested two men, aged 37 and 58 years old, for their suspected involvements in two separate cases of loanshark harassment.
On 17 January 2024, the Police were alerted to two separate cases of loanshark harassment. In the first case, debtors’ writings in red ink were written on the wall outside a residential unit along Sengkang West Way. In the second case, a debtor’s note was left outside a residential unit along Buangkok Crescent.
Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division established the identities of the two men and arrested them on 19 January 2024. Related paraphernalia, including one red marker and one black marker, were seized as case exhibits. Preliminary investigations revealed that both men are believed to be involved in other similar cases of loanshark harassment.
The two men will be charged in court on 20 January 2024 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.
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.
Photo of seized case exhibits ▼
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
20 January 2024 @ 8:05 AM