Man arrested for suspected involvement in loanshark harassment cases

SINGAPORE - A 42-year-old man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a series of loanshark harassments cases.

In a press statement today, the police said that they received multiple reports of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) being splashed with paint between Oct 24 and Oct 26. Debtors' notes believed to be related to loanshark harassments were also found on the ATM machines in some cases.

Officers from the Bedok Police Division, the Criminal Investigation Department and Police Intelligence Department carried out intelligence probes and ground enquiries to establish the identity of the suspect, who was subsequently arrested in the vicinity of Syed Alwi Road on Oct 29.

During the operations, handphones, gloves and mask were also seized as case exhibits.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is believed to be responsible for other cases of loanshark harassment targeted at debtors' vehicles and residential units.

The suspect will be charged in court on Oct 31. Under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition) 2010, if convicted, he may face a fine of between $5,000 and $50,000, jailed up to 5 years, and caned between 3 and 6 strokes.

seanyap@sph.com.sg