Police arrested a 52-year-old man yesterday evening for his suspected involvement in loansharking activities.

On 1 Sept 2010 at about 9.00pm, officers from Clementi Police Division were conducting anti-crime patrols in the vicinity of Clementi Avenue 3 when they spotted a man behaving suspiciously at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). The officers approached the man and conducted a check on him. The check uncovered several ATM cards and bank transaction receipts in the man’s possession. Upon further interview, the man was placed under arrest for suspected involvement in loansharking activities and the items were seized as case exhibits.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a debtor-turned-runner who is believed to have assisted loansharks in their business by conducting bank transfers. Investigations are still ongoing.

First-time offenders found guilty of assisting in the carrying on of the business of an unlicensed moneylender, may be fined not less than $30,000/- and not more than $300,000/- and be imprisoned for a term not exceeding four years. First time offenders shall also be liable to be punished with caning with not more than six strokes.

Commander of Clementi Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Melvin Yong, commended his officers for their vigilance. He reiterated that Police will continue to clamp down on such illegal activities and take stern action against those involved.