Two Arrested for Loanshark Harassment in Tampines

A 39-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a loanshark harassment case in Tampines.

On February 27, 2025, at around 5:40 pm, the police received a report regarding an act of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Tampines Street 22. The gate and front door of the unit had been splattered with red and yellow paint, while loanshark-related graffiti was found scribbled on the lift lobby wall nearby.

Officers from the Bedok Police Division swiftly began investigations, analyzing police camera footage and conducting on-the-ground enquiries. Within just eight hours of the incident, they identified the two suspects. A mobile phone was seized as part of the case investigation.

Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects had been recruited for their roles in the harassment through a social media platform. Many unlicensed moneylenders exploit such platforms to attract individuals with promises of easy money, getting them involved in illegal activities such as vandalism, harassment, and monetary transactions.

The two individuals are set to be charged in court on March 1, 2025, under the Moneylenders Act 2008. First-time offenders convicted of loanshark harassment face severe penalties, including a fine ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, imprisonment of up to five years, and up to six strokes of the cane.

Authorities have warned that unlicensed moneylenders frequently recruit individuals online, luring them with quick cash opportunities. Those who fall for these schemes may be tasked with illegal activities such as:

Locking up residences with chains or padlocks
Vandalizing properties by splashing paint or pasting debtor’s notes
Carrying out financial transactions for the syndicates
Providing access to their bank accounts or SIM cards, which may then be used for illegal moneylending activities

The police reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on loanshark-related crimes. Individuals who engage in property vandalism, public nuisance, or actions that threaten public safety will face strict legal consequences.

To combat the spread of loansharking activities, the authorities urge the public to stay away from unlicensed moneylenders and refrain from assisting them in any way. Anyone who has information regarding loanshark activities or suspects illegal involvement can report it to the police by calling ‘999’.

This case highlights the risks of being drawn into criminal activities through online job offers. While such offers may appear to be quick ways to earn money, they often lead to serious legal consequences. The authorities continue to monitor and crack down on loanshark syndicates, ensuring that those involved in such illegal operations are brought to justice.

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