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  A 29-year-old man has been apprehended by the police for his suspected role in two cases of loanshark harassment reported on March 20 and 21, 2024, at residential units along Choa Chu Kang Street 62 and Jurong West Avenue 3. The incidents involved splashing red paint on the main doors and gates of the targeted units, accompanied by debtor notes. Through thorough investigations aided by ground enquiries and police camera footage, officers from Jurong Police Division and Police Operations Command Centre swiftly identified and arrested the suspect on March 21, 2024. The man is set to face charges under the Moneylenders Act 2008 on March 23, 2024, with potential penalties including fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, imprisonment of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes for first-time offenders. The police reaffirm their zero-tolerance stance towards loanshark harassment activities, emphasizing the severity of consequences in accordance with the law. Additionally, the p...

The Police have apprehended a 65-year-old man suspected of housebreaking and theft at a coffee shop along Bedok North Street 3. The incident occurred on March 22, 2024, where a cash register, cash amounting to approximately $1800, and three cash cheques worth approximately $12,409 were reported stolen. Through thorough investigations aided by CCTV and police camera footage, officers from Bedok Police Division swiftly identified and arrested the suspect within five hours of the incident. Recovered items include a portion of the stolen cash and all three cash cheques. The man is slated to face charges on March 23, 2024, under Section 458A of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment, caning, or a fine. The public is advised to adopt crime prevention measures such as securing premises with quality grilles and padlocks, avoiding keeping large sums of cash on-site, and installing security systems like burglar alarms and CCTVs. **Image credit: police.gov...

  A 47-year-old man was arrested following an accident involving a car and motorcycle in Woodlands. The incident occurred on Woodlands Avenue 12, with the driver allegedly reversing into the motorcycle, driving over it, and fleeing the scene. The motorcyclist and pillion rider were not present on the bike during the collision. Police swiftly identified and apprehended the suspect within three hours of the incident. The man will face charges for rash conduct, which carries a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment or a fine of up to S$5,000, or both. **Picture for illustration purpose.

  A fire broke out at a Housing Board flat in Clementi West, prompting the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to respond. SCDF officers arrived at the scene to find black smoke emanating from a fourth-storey unit. The fire, involving the contents of a room, was extinguished by firefighters using a water jet. While the occupants had evacuated before SCDF's arrival, three individuals were hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated from a personal mobility aid charging in the room. SCDF issued a reminder about the fire risks associated with improperly charged motorised devices. **Image credit SCDF

In Singapore, Jason Scott Herrin, a  49-year-old American and former  researcher at Nanyang Technological University (NTU)  pleaded guilty to one count each of possessing child abuse material and communicating with another person to obtain the sexual services of a person under 18.  Another two counts of a similar nature will be considered for his sentencing, which has been adjourned.  Herrin's phone was seized on Aug 17, 2020, over a police report made on an unrelated matter. F orensic examination unearthed about  90 photographs that constituted child abuse material  and 31 obscene videos.  The investigation also found Herrin's message for offering money to have sex with 12-year-old girls. NTU has since sacked Harrin. He is due to return to court on 17 May. Herrin faces jail term, fine, and canning. *Picture for illustration purposes.

  A 38-year-old man has been arrested by the Police for suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment. The incident, which occurred on 13 March 2024 at a residential unit in Bedok North Street 4, involved the splashing of green paint and pasting of a debtor’s note on the gate. With the help of Police cameras and diligent investigations by officers from Bedok and Jurong Police Divisions, the man was identified and apprehended within four hours. He will be charged under the Moneylenders Act 2008 on 15 March 2024. Loanshark harassment carries severe penalties, including fines up to $50,000, imprisonment for up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes for first-time offenders. The Police emphasize zero tolerance for such activities and urge the public to refrain from any involvement with loansharks, encouraging reporting of suspicious activities to the authorities. **Credit: police.gov.sg

A 35-year-old man is set to appear in court for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The accident occurred at a junction in Jurong West last August, where the driver of a lorry fled the scene and escaped to Malaysia. With cooperation from the Royal Malaysia Police, the driver was arrested in Malaysia and extradited to Singapore. He faces charges of dangerous driving causing death, which could lead to a prison sentence of two to eight years if convicted. Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Daniel Tan expressed gratitude for the assistance of the Royal Malaysia Police in apprehending the suspect.

  Lu Ut Em, Vietnamese aged 33, was sentenced to three months in jail and fined S$2,000 for swinging a knife at her husband, aged 61, and threatening him in the presence of their 2 young children. Appearing via video link from her remand prison, Lu initially contested the charges but eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal intimidation. The incident, which occurred in December 2023, involved Lu shouting and brandishing a knife at her husband during a heated argument at their home in Teck Whye. Video footage presented in court depicted the alarming confrontation, prompting Deputy Public Prosecutor Ryan Lim to seek a jail term and fine for Lu due to the dangerous nature of her actions. District Judge Eddy Tham questioned Lu's ability to control her temper, emphasizing the psychological impact on the children witnessing such behavior at home. Despite Lu's apology and expression of remorse, Judge Tham stressed the importance of seeking alternative methods to manage ange...

  Goh Wei Yew, a 41-year-old salesperson at Waterway Point, was sentenced to seven weeks' jail after pleading guilty to physically attacking a couple at the Punggol mall. The altercation stemmed from an argument over customer service in Xiaomi, escalating into a violent confrontation outside another store. Goh assaulted the 60-year-old woman, slamming her head into a wall and punching her, while also attacking the 66-year-old man. The assault, captured on CCTV, left both victims with injuries. Goh, who had a history of criminal convictions, apologized for his actions and expressed remorse. District Judge Brenda Chua noted the severity of the assault and sentenced Goh accordingly. **Picture for illustration purpose.

  While serving his national service for the Singapore Police Force, Fahd Siddiqui, 21, has been sentenced to seven days in jail after pleading guilty to attempting to obtain sexual services from a social escort by abusing his authority. Siddiqui, who was off-duty at the time, used his police warrant card to intimidate the escort into providing free services. Originally sentenced to reformative training, Siddiqui appealed for probation, but the High Court decided against both options, citing his low risk of reoffending and positive achievements in education and national service. Despite acknowledging Siddiqui's remorse and potential for reform, the judge emphasized the need to deter corruption within law enforcement. The short jail term was deemed sufficient for deterrence and retribution, considering Siddiqui's age and familial support. He will begin serving his sentence on Mar 11 and remains out on bail. **Picture for illustration purposes.

  Islam Md Rafiqul, a 29-yea r-old Bangladeshi, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment on Tuesday (March 12) for distributing intimate images of his ex-girlfriend without her consent. The court heard that Islam sent 10 explicit photos of his ex-girlfriend to her friend about a month after their breakup in April 2023. These images, taken during their relationship, depicted her engaging in sexual acts, with her face visible. Islam's actions were fueled by anger over the breakup and aimed to humiliate his ex-girlfriend. Additionally, he faced charges for trespassing into her residence, restraining her, and stealing her phone. The prosecution emphasized the breach of trust and malice behind Islam's actions and sought a jail term of three to five months. Islam could have faced up to five years' imprisonment for his offense. **Picture for illustration purposes

  Kim Donghun, a 33-year-old South Korean, received a four-month jail sentence on Tuesday (Mar 12) after pleading guilty to causing hurt by means of poison. The incident occurred at Trifecta, a sports and lifestyle facility in Somerset, on Nov 28, 2023. Angered by a woman's reaction to his unsolicited photographs, Kim slipped erectile dysfunction medication into her bubble tea drink as an act of revenge. The victim, feeling giddy after consuming the spiked drink, alerted the police upon discovering the presence of white powder. Analysis revealed traces of Tadalafil, a medication for erectile dysfunction. Confronted with CCTV footage, Kim admitted to his actions, expressing remorse and apologizing to the victim and the facility. While mitigating factors were considered, the court emphasized the public interest in maintaining trust in Singapore's public spaces. Kim's sentence could have been up to 10 years' imprisonment, along with a fine or caning. **Images for illustra...

  A 63-year-old man was discovered deceased at the base of the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) hotel on Monday (11 March). MBS officials confirmed the incident, stating that the man's body was found outside the hotel premises around 7:50 pm. Authorities were promptly notified, and investigations into the unnatural death were initiated. The Singapore Police Force confirmed receiving reports of the incident along Bayfront Avenue around 7:55 pm the same day. Preliminary findings suggest no foul play, with ongoing investigations to ascertain the circumstances. According to witnesses, the man is believed to have fallen from the hotel, with police erecting barriers and a tent at the scene. If you have thoughts of suicide or are feeling distressed, you can call the Samaritans of Singapore's 24-hour hotline at 1767. You can also email pat@sos.org.sg. **Images for illustration purpose.

  A Singaporean nurse, Ivan Lee Yi Wang, 35, was sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment and four strokes of the cane on Tuesday (Mar 12) after being found guilty of molesting a male patient recovering from medical procedures. Lee, who plans to appeal both his conviction and sentence, had contested two charges of molestation dating back to 2018 when the patient was undergoing post-operative care at a private clinic in Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital. Despite maintaining his innocence during trial, Lee's actions were deemed "disturbing" by Deputy Public Prosecutor Stacey Fernandez, who highlighted his disregard for patient care protocols. The victim, who worked in a market-related role, testified to feeling violated during his recovery, prompting Lee's suspension from his current position at the National Kidney Foundation pending the outcome of his legal proceedings. Lee's plea for a reduced sentence, the court upheld the severity of the charges, emphasizing the n...

  Facebook user Yukiko Joce posted the following incident. On March 11, 2024, a concerning incident unfolded as a random individual approached a household, ringing the doorbell before attempting to tamper with the digital lock pad. Fortunately, the homeowner's husband was present and confronted the individual, who claimed to have mistakenly approached the wrong unit. However, the suspicious behavior raises alarm and prompts a call for increased awareness and vigilance among residents with digital lock pads. Photos of the incident suggest that this may not be an isolated event, urging the community to prioritize safety measures and ensure doors and gates are securely locked at all times. It's not known if a police report was lodged. **Credit: Facebook/Yukiko Joce

  A man, Samsudin Chik, was caught stealing lingerie from a laundry pole outside a housing block. When confronted by the owner's brother, he got into a scuffle and injured the man. Upon arresting Samsudin, the police found a large collection of women's undergarments and clothing in his possession. He was sentenced to a fine of S$5,000 for possessing stolen items and causing hurt. Despite offering to cover the victim's medical expenses, Samsudin faced consequences for his actions, including being identified as a repeat offender. **Picture for illustration purpose

  A recent series of enforcement operations conducted by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) from February 28 to March 2, 2024, has resulted in investigations against 14 men and 48 women, ranging from 21 to 75 years old, for various offences. Led by the Tanglin Police Division and supported by other agencies such as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the operations targeted illegal activities across the city. Highlights of the operations include: Massage Establishment Crackdown: On February 28 and 29, 2024, officers from Tanglin Police Division targeted massage establishments and commercial units along Balestier Road, Orchard Road, Thomson Road, and River Valley Road. 22 women, aged between 23 and 46, were arrested under the Women’s Charter Act 1961. Illegal Gambling Arrests: On February 28, an enforcement operation against i...

  Four individuals, including two teenagers aged 17 and two men aged 19 and 21, are set to be charged in court on 8 March 2024 for their suspected involvement in money laundering activities related to various scams. The scams include Job Scam, Friend Impersonation Scam, E-Commerce Scam, Investment Scam, and Phishing Scam. Investigations revealed the specifics of their alleged involvement in money laundering cases: In May 2023, the 19-year-old man is accused of conspiring to cheat banks by opening accounts for illicit purposes and disclosing his Internet banking credentials. In October 2023, one of the 17-year-old teenagers allegedly disclosed his Singpass credentials for financial gain, leading to the opening of a bank account used for laundering proceeds from a phishing scam. In November 2023, the 21-year-old man reportedly disclosed his Internet banking credentials for monetary reward, enabling the laundering of proceeds from job scams. In January 2024, the other 17-year-old teen...