19-year-old guy who allegedly set fire to door of CCK unit gets arrested within a day

A 19-year-old man was arrested yesterday (Nov 13) at around 5pm for his suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment by fire at Choa Chua Kang Drive.

The police were alerted to the case on Nov 12 at around 10.50pm, where the door of a residential unit was set on fire.

Through investigations, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and Jurong Police Division identified the suspect and arrested him within 24 hours.

Police investigations are ongoing.

The suspect will be charged in court tomorrow (Nov 15) with unlicensed moneylending harassment by setting fire.

Offenders found guilty of acting on behalf of an unlicensed moneylender, committing or attempting to commit any acts of harassment shall be punished with a jail term of up to five years, a fine between $5,000 and $50,000, and three to six strokes of the cane.

In a statement, the police said they adopt a zero tolerance approach towards loanshark harassment, especially acts of harassment that cause damage and endanger lives.

"Offenders will be tracked down and dealt with severely in accordance with the law," they added.

Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not to work with or assist the loansharks 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 illegal loansharking activities.