Loanshark harassment: Teen, 16, arrested for allegedly splashing property with red paint and scribbling graffiti

SINGAPORE — A 16-year-old teenager was arrested for suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a media release on Sunday (7 April) that it was alerted to the case at a residential unit along Tampines Street 22 at about 6.50pm on Saturday. The unit's front gate was splashed with red paint, and the wall of the staircase was scribbled with loanshark-related graffiti.

Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division, Woodlands Police Division and Police Operations Command Centre identified the teenager and arrested him within six hours.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the teenager is believed to be involved in other cases of loanshark harassment. A mobile phone was seized as case exhibit.

Teen faces jail term of up to 5 years and caning

The teenager will be charged in court under the Moneylenders Act 2008. First-time offenders under the offence of loanshark harassment may face a fine between S$5,000 and S$50,000, with a jail term of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes.

"The police have zero-tolerance for loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruption to public safety and security, will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law," said the police.

Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks, and not work with or assist them in any way. The public can call the police at 999 or the X-Ah Long hotline (1800-924-5664) if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.

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