A 24-year-old and a 28-year-old were arrested for suspected loanshark activities on 1 June after allegedly harassing a debtor at his home.
A Bukit Batok flat was found locked with a bicycle lock, with a warning note left behind that reads: “You better was me back to settle payment now! This is first warning!”
The incident happened at a residential unit along Bukit Batok West Avenue 8 on 31 May, and the two loansharks were arrested on 1 June after officers from Jurong Police Division established their identities through the use of police cameras and ground enquiries.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the two are believed to have been involved in other similar cases.
The two of them were charged in court on Thursday (2 June) under the Moneylenders Act 2009, and upon conviction, face a fine of up to $50,000, a jail term of up to 5 years and caning of up to 6 strokes.
The police reiterated their stance against loansharking, saying that they have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment activities.
“Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruptions to public safety, peace 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.”