S'pore teen, 19, arrested for suspected involvement in loanshark harassment at multiple units

A 19-year-old teenager in Singapore has been arrested by the police for his suspected involvement in several cases of loanshark harassment spanning several residential estates across the island.

Doors splashed with paint

According to a police news release on Apr. 27, the police said they were alerted to the incidents, which took place at housing units along Tampines Street 43, Tampines North Drive 1, Yishun Street 51, Yishun Street 61, Sembawang Drive, Jurong West Street 73, Bukit Batok Street 32, Segar Road, Serangoon North Avenue 4, Sengkang East Way and Aljunied Crescent between Apr. 25 and 26.

The units' main doors were splashed with paint, and debtors' notes were pasted on gates.

Through ground enquiries and police camera footage, officers from the Bedok, Ang Mo Kio and Woodlands Police Divisions, as well as the Police Operations Command Centre, identified and arrested the suspect within 14 hours.

Ten cans of paint, 13 debtors' notes and a mobile phone were seized as case exhibits.

The man is expected to be charged in court on Apr. 28 under the Moneylenders Act 2008.

Under the act, first-time offenders convicted of loanshark harassment face fines ranging from S$5000 to S$50,000, a jail term of up to five years, and up to six strokes of the cane.

The police reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on loanshark harassment, warning that those who vandalise properties or disrupt public safety and peace "will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law".

The police also advised the public to stay away from loansharks and not work with or assist them in any way.

Should they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities, they can call the police at '999'.