19-year-old arrested for connection to case of loanshark harassment involving fire

SINGAPORE - A teenager has been arrested in connection to a case of loanshark harassment involving fire at Blk 318 Woodlands Street 31 that happened on Mar 6.

Officers from the Jurong Division and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested the 19-year-old at his residence on Mar 24 after extensive investigative probes and ground enquiries.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is also believed to be responsible for another case of loanshark harassment by fire at Blk 767 Woodlands Circle on Mar 12.

Deputy commissioner of Police (Investigations & Intelligence) and concurrent director of CID, Tan Chye Hee commended the hard work and determination of the officers in solving the case.

"Police have zero tolerance for such lawless acts of loanshark harassment involving fire which threaten the community's sense of safety. Those inclined to commit these acts of harassment causing damage and endangering lives of innocent victims will be pursued and dealt with severely in accordance with the law," said Mr Tan.

First-time offenders found guilty of acting on behalf of an unlicensed moneylender, committing or attempting to commit any acts of harassment shall be punished with imprisonment up to five years, a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000, and shall also be liable to caning of not less than three and not more than six strokes.

spanaech@sph.com.sg