Man, 52, Nabbed for Locking Gate and Sending Harassment Photos in Loanshark Case
A 52-year-old man has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a series of loanshark harassment cases, with at least five incidents linked to him, according to the Singapore Police Force.
The first reported case occurred on 20 July 2025, when police were alerted to a suspected loanshark harassment at a Jurong West Street 91 residential unit. Officers found the main gate of the home secured with a bicycle lock, and a debtor’s note pasted on the wall outside.
Suspect Identified Through Police Camera Footage
Thanks to swift investigative efforts and surveillance camera footage, officers from Jurong Police Division managed to identify and apprehend the suspect on 24 July 2025. The bicycle lock and debtor’s note were recovered and seized as evidence.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the man had deliberately secured the victim’s gate with a bicycle lock, snapped a photo of it, and sent the image to the occupant as a form of psychological intimidation. He is believed to have later removed the lock to avoid detection.
Authorities believe the man is connected to at least four other similar harassment cases.
Harsh Penalties Under the Moneylenders Act
The suspect is expected to be charged in court on 26 July 2025 under the Moneylenders Act 2008. First-time offenders convicted of loanshark harassment face severe penalties, including:
- A fine between S$5,000 and S$50,000
- Imprisonment of up to five years
- Caning of up to six strokes
Police Warn Against Aiding Illegal Moneylenders
The Singapore Police Force has once again emphasised its zero-tolerance stance against illegal moneylending activities. Vandalism, harassment, or any attempts to cause distress to debtors and the public will be met with firm legal action.
The public is strongly advised to avoid taking loans from unlicensed moneylenders and to refrain from assisting them in any way. Those who have information on loansharking activities are encouraged to:
- Call the police hotline at 999
- Submit an anonymous report via www.police.gov.sg/i-witness
As Singapore maintains its reputation for being one of the safest cities globally, authorities continue to take proactive measures to curb illegal lending and its associated harassment tactics.