Police arrested a 36 year-old man this afternoon at Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park who is believed to be involved in loanshark harassment.

On 17 March 2010 at about 9.00 am, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division conducted an ambush at Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park in relation to a reported case of loanshark harassment at Yishun on 16 March 2010. At about 9.30 am, the officers spotted the suspect and detained him. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a debtor-turned-runner and had carried out harassment at debtors' units by scrawling loanshark-related graffiti on the walls. A black marker pen and a mobile phone were seized from the suspect's possession as case exhibits.

The suspect will be charged in Court on 18 March 2010 at 9.00 am for an offence of loanshark harassment. Under the amended Moneylenders Act 2008 which came into effect on 11 February 2010, first time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment shall face imprisonment term of up to 5 years and shall also be liable to a fine between $5,000 and up to $50,000. In addition, the offender shall also be liable to caning of not more than 6 strokes.

Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Hse Sin Yun commended his officers for the successful arrest of the suspect.