Man arrested for loanshark harassment involving fire

SINGAPORE - Police have arrested a 23-year-old man for his suspected involvement in loanshark harassment involving fire which was reportd at Blk 162 Yishun Street 11 on July 15.

His identity was established after police officers conducted investigative probes and ground enquiries, as well as footage from cameras mounted in the vicinity.

The suspect was arrested in a police operation at Bukit Batok Street 52 on Tuesday.

Items such as a red marker, surgical mask and a spray bottle believed to contain thinner were seized.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is believed to be responsible for more than 10 cases of loanshark harassment island-wide involving fire and using bicycle locks.

The suspect will be charged in court on Thursday. Under the Moneylenders Act, first-time offenders found guilty of acting on behalf of an unlicensed moneylender, committing or attempting to commit any acts of harassment faces up to five years imprisonment, a fine between $5,000 and $50,000, and shall also be liable to caning of up to six strokes.

klim@sph.com.sg