Man arrested for loanshark harassment: He travelled on e-scooter, set fire and splashed paint at flats

A 29-year-old man was arrested for his suspected involvement in four cases of loanshark harassment that were reported between Oct 30 and Nov 24 this year.

The suspect's identity had been established through extensive probes and enquiries by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Ang Mo Kio Police Division and Clementi Police Division.

He was arrested along Beo Crescent on Nov 27.

Items including a power-assisted scooter, two cans of red paint, two mobile phones, one black t-shirt and one pair of grey pants were also seized as case exhibits.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is believed to have commuted using his power-assisted scooter to commit several cases of loanshark harassment.

This involved setting of fire, splashing of paint as well as pasting debtors’ notes at debtors’ units islandwide.

The man will be charged in court today (Nov 29) with loanshark harassment.

In a news release, the police said that they "will not hesitate to take tough action against those involved in loansharking activities".

They added: "Members of public are also advised to stay away from loansharks and not to work with or assist the loansharks in any way. Members of 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 illegal loansharking activities."