Nabbed for loanshark harassment

SINGAPORE - Police have arrested a 40-year-old man for his involvement in a series of loanshark harassment cases, which included setting fire to homes.

On Saturday afternoon, the police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment involving fire in the vicinity of Serangoon North Avenue 1.

At about 8pm that day, the suspect was arrested at Beo Crescent where he had loanshark-related items including several mobile phones, paint brushes and a lighter. The suspect is believed to be responsible for more than 10 cases of loanshark harassment, including two which involved fire at Serangoon and Bedok Reservoir.

The suspect will be charged in court today over loanshark harassment. Under the Moneylenders Act, first-time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment can be jailed up to five years, fined between $5,000 and $50,000 and given at least three strokes of the cane.

Head of the Unlicensed Moneylending Strikeforce from the Criminal Investigation Department, Superintendent of Police Aileen Yap, said: "Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment. Those who deliberately vandalise properties will be arrested swiftly and dealt with severely in accordance with the law."

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