Police arrested a 35-year-old man yesterday evening for suspected involvement in loansharking activities.

Following up on a case of loanshark harassment reported at Clementi West Street 2 on 26 Sep 2009, officers from Clementi Police Division managed to establish the identity of the suspect after extensive probes and investigations. However, the suspect remained elusive despite numerous stake-outs conducted at his residence. Nonetheless, the officers persevered and the suspect was subsequently arrested on 18 Nov 09. Officers conducted a search and found loansharking-paraphernalia such as bicycle chains and debtors’ records in the suspect's vehicle. Preliminary investigations also indicated that the subject is believed to have carried out harassment acts on debtors’ units and is believed to be a debtor himself.

The suspect will be charged in Court on 20 Nov 2009 for offence of loanshark harassment under the Moneylenders' Act 2008.

First-time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment may be fined up to $40,000 or jailed for up to 3 years or both. In addition, caning may be imposed on those who cause damage to property or harm to others while committing acts of loanshark harassment.

Commander of Clementi Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Ng Yeow Boon commended his officers for their good work resulting in the successful arrest of the suspect.