Police have arrested three male youths who are believed to be responsible for loanshark harassment cases in various locations in the northern part of Singapore.

On 8 March 2010 at about 2.30 p.m. officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division were conducting foot patrol along Serangoon Avenue 2 when they spotted a male youth behaving suspiciously at the void deck of one of the blocks. The officers conducted a spot check on the youth and found in his possession a mobile phone containing addresses believed to be that of debtors'. He was then placed under arrest for suspected involvement in loanshark activities.

Through follow-up investigations, two of his accomplices aged 15 and 16 years old were arrested between 8 March 2010 and 9 March 2010 at Serangoon and Ang Mo Kio respectively. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were involved in loanshark harassment cases in Ang Mo Kio, Sengkang, Toa Payoh and Woodlands housing estates. Investigations against the trio are ongoing.

Under the amended Moneylenders Act 2008 which came into effect on 11 February 2010, first time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years and shall also be liable to a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000. In addition, the offender shall also be liable to be punished with caning with not more than 6 strokes.

Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division HQ, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Hsu Sin Yun, commended his officers for their continued efforts in the fight against loansharks.