Teenager Arrested For Loanshark Harassment By Fire Within Five Hours

The Police have arrested a 15-year-old teenager for his suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment by fire.

On 19 May 2024, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit located along Bendemeer Road, where discarded newspapers were set on fire outside the unit. The wall beside the unit was also scribbled with loanshark-related graffiti.

Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Central Police Division and Police Operations Command Centre established the identity of the teenager and arrested him at his residence within five hours of the incident.

The teenager will be charged in court on 21 May 2024 with an offence under the Moneylenders Act 2008. For first time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine of not less than $5,000, and not more than $50,000, with imprisonment of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes. For repeat offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine between $6,000 and $60,000, with imprisonment of not less than two years and up to nine years, and with caning of not less than five strokes and up to ten strokes.

The Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruption to public safety and security, will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law.

Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not to work with or assist them in any way. The public can call the Police at '999' or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.