A 20-year-old man has been arrested for his suspected role in a string of loanshark harassment cases that occurred across Singapore on National Day.
According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the incidents took place between 7pm and 10pm on 9 Aug. Several residential units had their main doors and gates splashed with paint, while loanshark-related graffiti was scribbled on staircase walls in multiple housing estates. These acts of property vandalism are often linked to illegal moneylending operations targeting debtors through intimidation tactics.
Authorities said the suspect was swiftly identified through follow-up investigations, aided by footage from police cameras. Officers from the Bedok Police Division and the Police Operations Command Centre arrested him within eight hours of the initial police report.
Police Seize Paint and Other Evidence
During the arrest, police recovered key items believed to have been used in the offences, including a mobile phone, a paintbrush, and five cans of paint. Preliminary investigations suggest the man is connected to at least four similar cases of loanshark harassment.
The suspect is scheduled to be charged in court on 11 Aug under the Moneylenders Act 2008. If convicted as a first-time offender, he could face a fine ranging from S$5,000 to S$50,000, a prison term of up to five years, and up to six strokes of the cane.
The SPF reiterated its zero-tolerance stance towards loanshark harassment and urged the public to report suspicious activities immediately. They emphasised that such criminal acts not only damage property but also endanger public safety.
Rising Concerns Over Illegal Moneylending in Singapore
Loanshark harassment remains a persistent issue in Singapore, with cases often intensifying during festive or public holidays. Such crimes not only cause emotional distress to victims but also pose long-term risks to neighbourhood security and property values — issues that are of growing concern for both residents and real estate investors.
The police reminded the public to stay vigilant, avoid borrowing from unlicensed moneylenders, and verify the legitimacy of any lender through the Ministry of Law’s official registry. Members of the public can call the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 or dial 999 for urgent assistance.