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Man nabbed for suspected involvement in loanshark harassment cases

SINGAPORE — A 40-year-old man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a series of loanshark harassment cases islandwide, which included setting fire to some homes.

The suspect was arrested soon after the police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment on Saturday. Photo: SPF

The suspect was arrested soon after the police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment on Saturday. Photo: SPF

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SINGAPORE — A 40-year-old man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a series of loanshark harassment cases islandwide, which included setting fire to some homes.

He is expected to be charged in court today.

The police said they were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment involving fire near Serangoon North Avenue 1 on Saturday. Following an investigation, they established the identity of the suspect and arrested him in Beo Crescent on the same day, about eight hours later.

Items that could have been used for loanshark harassment, including several mobile phones, paint brushes and a lighter, were seized as case exhibits.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is believed to be responsible for more than 10 counts of loanshark harassment, including two cases of aggravated loanshark harassment involving fire at Serangoon and Bedok Reservoir,” the police said in a statement yesterday.

Under the Moneylenders Act, first-time offenders found guilty of committing loanshark harassment could be jailed up to five years, fined at least S$5,000 and up to S$50,000 and are liable to at least three strokes of the cane.

Head of the Criminal Investigation Department’s Unlicensed Moneylending Strikeforce Aileen Yap commended the officers for the strong collaboration that resulted in the swift arrest.

“The police have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment. Those who deliberately vandalise properties will be arrested swiftly and dealt with severely in accordance with the law ... No effort will be spared to nab them to face the full consequences of their misdeeds regardless of their age,” she said.

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