A routine debt recovery attempt in Singapore turned violent when a food stall owner allegedly assaulted staff from a licensed collection agency, SG Collectors, with a golf club, resulting in hospitalisation and calls for stronger legal action.
Food Supply Dispute Escalates Into Physical Assault
According to SG Collectors, the incident began as a lawful attempt to recover an outstanding debt related to a food supply transaction. The client, a legitimate food supplier, had fulfilled their part of a delivery agreement. However, the stall owner allegedly refused payment, citing excuses and avoiding responsibility for months.
What started as a civil process took a hostile turn during a visit to the debtor’s residence. Upon arrival, SG Collectors’ staff reportedly faced immediate verbal and physical aggression. The debtor allegedly spat at the team through his gate, struck the gate repeatedly with a wooden object, and later attempted to assault them with the same item.
Although the staff restrained themselves and avoided physical retaliation, the situation escalated dangerously when the debtor allegedly re-emerged, wielding a golf club. Surveillance footage and witness accounts suggest the man approached one of the officers from behind and struck him. The injured staff member required stitches and is currently receiving medical attention.
Gangster-Like Threats and Repeat Provocations
This is not the first time the debtor has been accused of behaving aggressively. SG Collectors claim he has a history of verbal abuse, including threats such as “You don’t know who I am,” and boasts of having criminal backing. Such conduct, the agency says, mimics gangster behaviour and aims to intimidate debt collectors into retreat.
In an earlier incident in March or April, the same individual allegedly responded to a simple enquiry with vulgar and highly offensive remarks, targeting the collector’s family in an apparent attempt to provoke a confrontation.
SG Collectors have emphasised their staff’s restraint, asserting that their team did not retaliate physically and only used their leg to shut the gate defensively. While acknowledging that some staff members may have exchanged harsh words during the incident, the agency insists this does not justify the use of violence or weapons.
Collectors Demand Legal Reclassification of Assault Case
Despite the violent outcome, the authorities have so far classified the case under “Voluntarily Causing Hurt”. SG Collectors argue this fails to reflect the severity of the incident, which involved the use of weapons and intentional provocation.
The agency is now pursuing legal action on multiple grounds, including:
- Assault with a weapon
- Criminal intimidation
- Harassment and defamation
- Threats involving unlawful force
They are also urging authorities to review the case’s classification, pointing out that one of their officers was injured and required hospital treatment after being struck with a golf club.
Message to Public: Violence Will Be Met With Legal Action
In a strongly worded statement, SG Collectors warned that while they aim to resolve cases peacefully, they will not tolerate threats, abuse, or attacks.
“We are here to recover debts, not engage in fights,” the statement read. “If you spit, swing a weapon, or make gangster threats, we will document everything and take legal action. There will be no compromise on safety.”
The agency also confirmed that it will not conceal the identity of the debtor in any public materials due to the seriousness of the incident.
Upholding Professionalism in Challenging Situations
SG Collectors acknowledged that improvements must be made internally, particularly in ensuring staff refrain from returning verbal abuse, even when provoked. They reaffirmed their commitment to professionalism, adding that staff will be retrained to handle extreme provocation with calm and discipline.
This case raises questions about the safety of frontline debt recovery professionals and the legal measures available to protect them in hostile situations.