Police arrested a 24 year-old man in the early hours of 29 April 2010 who is believed to be involved in at least five cases of loanshark harassment by fire islandwide.

In the past few days, several cases of loanshark harassment by fire had been reported in various parts of the island where banners and clothings placed outside the flats of debtors were set on fire. On 29 April 2010 at about 1.30 am , while on anti-crime patrol, vigilant officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division spotted the suspect behaving suspiciously at Hougang Ave 9 and conducted a check on him. A lighter, a can of kerosene, some cans of paint and two handphones were found in his possession upon a search. Preliminary investigations revealed that suspect was working for an unlicensed moneylending syndicate and was believed to be involved in at least five cases of loanshark harassment by fire at Hougang, Sengkang, Woodlands and Geylang housing estates.

The suspect will be charged in Court on 30 April 2010 for the offence of harassing borrower, besetting his residence under the Moneylenders Act 2008.

A first-time offender found guilty shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years and fine not less than $5,000/- and not more than $50,000/-. The offender shall also be liable to be caned not more than 6 strokes.

Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hsu Sin Yun commended his officers for their vigilance leading to the successful arrest of the suspect. He stressed that Police will not hesitate to deal with such offenders severely.