A 54-year-old woman has been arrested for her suspected involvement in a loanshark harassment case after a threatening note and green spray paint were allegedly found outside a residential unit in Whampoa.
According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), officers were alerted to the incident at a flat along St George’s Road on July 26 at about 6.10pm.
When police arrived, they discovered a debtor’s note clipped to a clothes-drying rack in the common corridor. The note allegedly carried a threatening message warning the occupant that they would face more serious consequences if payment was not made.
Officers also found neon green spray paint on the wall behind the note, a tactic commonly associated with loanshark harassment cases.
Police identify suspect through CCTV footage
Following investigations, officers from the Central, Ang Mo Kio and Bedok Police Divisions worked together to identify the suspect using police camera footage and other investigative leads.
The 54-year-old woman was subsequently arrested on July 28.
Preliminary investigations indicate that she may also be linked to several other similar loanshark harassment incidents.
She is expected to be charged in court under the Moneylenders Act 2008.
First-time offenders face jail, fine and caning
Under Singapore law, first-time offenders convicted of loanshark harassment face serious penalties.
If found guilty, they may be fined between S$5,000 and S$50,000, jailed for up to five years and caned with up to six strokes.
The police reiterated that they take a zero-tolerance approach towards loanshark-related activities and will continue taking firm action against anyone involved in illegal moneylending operations or harassment on behalf of unlicensed moneylenders.
Members of the public are also reminded not to borrow from loansharks or assist them in any way, including carrying out harassment acts or acting as runners.
Anyone with information relating to loanshark activities is encouraged to contact the police by calling 999. Information can also be provided anonymously through the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664.
The SPF said it remains committed to combating illegal moneylending and protecting residents from intimidation and harassment linked to loanshark syndicates.