2 men arrested for loanshark harassment after Toa Payoh unit found splashed with paint

Two men, aged 26 and 29, were arrested for their suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment at Lorong 1 Toa Payoh.

The police said in a statement they were alerted to the case on Feb 24 where the gate of a residential unit was splashed with paint and secured with a bicycle lock.

Loanshark-related graffiti was also found scrawled on the wall beside the unit.

Officers from Tanglin Police Division were able to identify the two men through ground enquiries and with the aid of police cameras. They were arrested on the same day.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the men are believed to be involved in similar cases reported islandwide, the police said.

The two men will be charged in court on Feb 26 under the Moneylenders Act.

First-time offenders guilty of loanshark harassment may be fined between $5,000 to $50,000, jailed up to five years, and receive up to six strokes of the cane.

"The police have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment activities," the statement said.

"Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruptions to public safety, peace 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 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 loansharking activities.