Police arrested three men aged between 20 and 22 years old for their suspected involvement in loansharking activities during a road block earlier this morning.

While conducting a road-block along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 this morning at about 4.25 am, Police stopped a taxi with three passengers. Observing that the three passengers appeared to be nervous, the vigilant officers decided to conduct a check. The officers' suspicions were confirmed when they found a bag containing several cans of paints, marker pens, some plastic bags and a towel in the taxi. Upon further checks, the three suspects were also found to be in possession of papers containing suspected debtors' records and other loanshark paraphernalia like marker pens and bank transaction receipts. The suspects were immediately placed under arrest for their suspected involvement in loansharking activities. Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were responsible for scrawling loanshark-related graffiti and splashing paint at residential units in Whampoa, Serangoon North and Sembawang.

The three suspects will be charged in Court on 27 Jan 2010 for loanshark harassment under the Moneylenders Act 2008.

First time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment may be fined of not less than $4,000 and not more than $40,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both. In addition, offenders will be caned if damage to property or harm to others was caused in the course of committing loanshark harassment.

Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division HQ, Superintendent Hsu Sin Yun, commended his officers for their vigilance which led to the arrest of the three suspects.