Man, 40, arrested for involvement in at least 5 cases of loanshark harassment islandwide

A 40-year-old man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a series of loanshark harassment cases.

The police said in a statement that they received a report on Jan 21 of loanshark harassment along Yishun Ring Road in which a residential unit was allegedly splashed with red paint and graffiti scribbled on the wall outside the unit.

Officers established the identity of the man and arrested him on Feb 28.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to be involved in at least four other cases of loanshark harassment committed islandwide.

For first-time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine of between $5,000 and $50,000, with a mandatory jail term of up to five years and mandatory caning of up to six strokes.

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

"Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance or disrupt 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 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.