Two men, aged 21 and 56, have been arrested for their suspected involvement in separate loanshark harassment cases in Singapore. The arrests were made following police investigations into incidents of vandalism and intimidation linked to illegal moneylending activities.
In the first case, which occurred on the morning of February 24, 2025, the police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Serangoon North Avenue 4. The unit’s main door was splashed with red paint, and a debtor’s note was left outside. This type of harassment is a common intimidation tactic used by loansharks to threaten borrowers into repaying their debts.
Officers from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division launched an investigation, reviewing security camera footage from police-installed surveillance systems. Their efforts quickly led to the identification of a 21-year-old suspect, who was arrested later that same day. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is linked to multiple similar harassment cases across Singapore.
In the second case, which took place later that evening around 5:45 PM, police responded to a loanshark harassment incident at a residential unit in Punggol Central. The unit’s main gate had been secured with a bicycle lock, a common tactic used by loansharks to intimidate debtors by restricting their access to their homes.
Again, officers from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division conducted follow-up investigations, analyzing security footage to track down the suspect. A 56-year-old man was arrested on February 25, 2025, and a bicycle lock was seized as evidence. Investigations indicate that he, too, was involved in multiple cases of loanshark harassment across the island.
Both men are set to be charged in court on February 26, 2025, under the Moneylenders Act 2008. This act criminalizes loanshark-related harassment and sets strict penalties for those found guilty.
For first-time offenders convicted of loanshark harassment, the penalties include a fine ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, imprisonment for up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes. Repeat offenders may face even harsher sentences.
The police emphasized that they have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment, which disrupts public order and causes distress to innocent individuals and families. Acts of vandalism, intimidation, and harassment will be dealt with severely under the law.
Authorities also urged the public to steer clear of illegal moneylenders and avoid assisting them in any way. They reminded citizens that those who help loansharks—whether by acting as runners, harassers, or intermediaries—will face criminal charges as well.
The police advised the public to report suspected loanshark activities by calling ‘999’ or providing information anonymously through crime hotlines. Community vigilance plays a crucial role in combatting illegal moneylending and protecting neighborhoods from such threats.
This case highlights the effectiveness of Singapore’s police surveillance system in tracking and apprehending individuals involved in loansharking crimes. With a network of cameras across residential areas, law enforcement agencies can quickly identify suspects and take action against them.
Loanshark harassment remains a persistent issue, but strict enforcement and harsh penalties have helped curb its prevalence in recent years. The arrests of these two individuals serve as a warning that such criminal activities will not be tolerated, and offenders will face serious consequences.
Public awareness and cooperation remain vital in tackling this problem. By avoiding illegal moneylenders and reporting suspicious activities, residents can help ensure a safer living environment for all.
As investigations into the two arrested suspects continue, authorities reaffirm their commitment to stamping out loansharking activities and safeguarding the public from such threats.
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