4 loanshark runners arrested in police operation

SINGAPORE - Three men and one women have been arrested by the police for suspected involvement in loansharking activities.

Officers from Bedok Division caught the suspects, aged between 27 and 37, during an operation conducted on Dec 16, said the police in a media statement.

They are believed to have carried out several acts of harassment in the Pasir Ris, Tampines and Bedok, Yishun and Jurong housing estates by locking the debtor's unit with a bicycle lock, splashing paint on the unit's door, and scrawling loanshark-related graffiti on the walls.

Items such as paint, marker and crayons were seized as case exhibits.

Two of the male suspects will be charged in court on Dec 18.

First time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment shall be fined not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000 with mandatory imprisonment of up to 5 years, and mandatory caning of up to 6 strokes.

Investigations against the other two suspects are ongoing.

wjeanne@sph.com.sg