A 24-year-old man has been arrested by the police for his suspected role in a case of loanshark harassment that took place in the early hours of April 27, 2025. At approximately 3.30am that morning, authorities received a report about an act of vandalism at a residential unit situated along North Bridge Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered that both the main gate and the front door of the home had been defaced with red paint, a known tactic frequently employed by unlicensed moneylenders to intimidate borrowers or residents connected to them.
Following the report, officers from both the Central Police Division and Woodlands Police Division commenced investigations. With assistance from police surveillance footage installed in the vicinity, investigators managed to trace the suspect’s identity. The man was apprehended the following day on April 28, 2025.
He is scheduled to be charged in court on April 29, 2025, under the Moneylenders Act 2008 for his involvement in the harassment. This piece of legislation is aimed at curbing the activities of illegal moneylenders and their associates. If convicted, a first-time offender under this Act faces serious penalties, including a fine ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, a jail term that could extend up to five years, and up to six strokes of the cane.
Police authorities reiterated that they maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of loanshark harassment. Acts such as property vandalism, intimidation, and causing public nuisance will be met with firm and decisive enforcement actions. The authorities emphasized that such offences do not only disrupt the lives of the immediate victims but also threaten the safety and sense of security within the broader community.
In recent years, loanshark harassment cases have included various forms of intimidation such as paint splashing, graffiti, and even fire hazards. The Police continue to urge members of the public to steer clear of such illicit activities and not to engage in or facilitate any actions that support unlicensed moneylending operations. This includes not working for loansharks, delivering threatening letters, vandalizing property on their behalf, or acting as lookouts.
Members of the public who have information on illegal moneylending activities or suspect that someone may be involved in them are strongly encouraged to report it to the authorities. Reports can be made by calling the police emergency line at ‘999’, or by submitting information anonymously through other channels such as the i-Witness portal.
The quick arrest in this case was made possible through the combination of prompt reporting, effective camera surveillance, and coordinated action between different police divisions. This case serves as a reminder of the effectiveness of law enforcement in responding to crimes of this nature, and of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in tackling the ongoing threat posed by loanshark syndicates.
With the upcoming court proceedings set for April 29, the outcome of this case will likely send a message to others considering participating in such illegal activities. The police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting residents from such harassment and preserving the peace and safety of Singapore’s neighborhoods.
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