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Telegram Job Offer Led to an Arrest for Loanshark Harassment in Punggol

 




Singapore law enforcement has made an arrest in a case of suspected loanshark harassment, highlighting the continued use of digital platforms by illegal syndicates to recruit individuals for criminal activities.

The incident was first reported to the Police on the evening of September 17, 2025, at approximately 11:20 PM. The alert concerned an act of harassment at a residential unit located along Punggol Field. The specific act involved an unknown liquid substance being splashed across the main gate of the unit, a common intimidation tactic employed by unlicensed moneylending syndicates.

Officers from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division were tasked with the investigation. Their follow-up work involved a thorough review of footage from police cameras deployed in the vicinity. This technological aid was instrumental in the case, as the captured images allowed investigators to successfully establish the identity of the individual believed to be responsible for the act.

Based on this evidence, a 23-year-old man was arrested on September 18, 2025. Preliminary investigations into his alleged involvement revealed a modern method of recruitment. The suspect reportedly responded to a job advertisement that was posted on the messaging application Telegram. The advertisement was specifically for carrying out harassment acts against debtors on behalf of loansharks.

The man is scheduled to be charged in court under the Moneylenders Act 2008. The penalties for loanshark harassment are severe, especially for acts that involve property damage. As a first-time offender, the man faces a potential fine ranging from five thousand dollars to fifty thousand dollars. The offence also carries a mandatory imprisonment term of up to five years and the possibility of caning with up to six strokes.

In their statement, the Police reiterated their firm stance of having zero tolerance for all loanshark harassment activities. They emphasized that individuals who deliberately vandalize properties, cause annoyance to the public, or disrupt the safety, peace, and security of the community will be dealt with severely in accordance with the full extent of the law.

The case serves as a strong reminder to the public to avoid any association with unlicensed moneylenders. The Police advised members of the public to stay away from loansharks and to refuse any offers to work with or assist them in any capacity. The public plays a crucial role in combating this issue and are encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to loansharking. Individuals can immediately call the Police hotline at ‘999’ if they have information or suspect that someone is involved in these illegal activities.

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