Seven men aged between 17 and 25 have been arrested following their suspected involvement in a series of loanshark harassments at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) located in Hougang, Marsiling, Serangoon and residential units in Pasir Ris. All seven were convicted in court today.
From July 26 – 30, residents have made reports on four occasions regarding ATMs being vandalised with — according to the police — "unknown substances and paint". The Straits Times identifies some of these substances to be milk, liquid paper and soya sauce. Related debtors’ notes were also found at the scene.
On July 3, police officers managed to apprehend the first suspect in an operation carried out at Ubi Avenue 1. Simultaneous operations at Ang Mo Kio, Marsiling, Rochor, Serangoon and Woodlands concluded with the arrest of six other suspects.
Preliminary investigations show that all arrested suspects are believed to be responsible for the above reports. The first suspect is also believed to be a recruiter who had put up online advertisements for job opportunities guaranteeing fast cash.
Head of the Unlicensed Moneylending Strikeforce of CID, Superintendent Police Aileen Yap said, “Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment. Those who deliberately vandalise properties will be arrested swiftly and dealt with severely in accordance with the law. Upon conviction, these perpetrators can expect to be caned and jailed for damaging property and causing alarm to the general community. No effort will be spared to nab them to face the full consequences of their misdeeds regardless of their age.”
Photo: Singapore Police Force
Seven men aged between 17 and 25 have been arrested following their suspected involvement in a series of loanshark harassments at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) located in Hougang, Marsiling, Serangoon and residential units in Pasir Ris. All seven were convicted in court today.
From July 26 – 30, residents have made reports on four occasions regarding ATMs being vandalised with — according to the police — "unknown substances and paint". The Straits Times identifies some of these substances to be milk, liquid paper and soya sauce. Related debtors’ notes were also found at the scene.
On July 3, police officers managed to apprehend the first suspect in an operation carried out at Ubi Avenue 1. Simultaneous operations at Ang Mo Kio, Marsiling, Rochor, Serangoon and Woodlands concluded with the arrest of six other suspects.
Preliminary investigations show that all arrested suspects are believed to be responsible for the above reports. The first suspect is also believed to be a recruiter who had put up online advertisements for job opportunities guaranteeing fast cash.
Head of the Unlicensed Moneylending Strikeforce of CID, Superintendent Police Aileen Yap said, “Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment. Those who deliberately vandalise properties will be arrested swiftly and dealt with severely in accordance with the law. Upon conviction, these perpetrators can expect to be caned and jailed for damaging property and causing alarm to the general community. No effort will be spared to nab them to face the full consequences of their misdeeds regardless of their age.”
Photo: Singapore Police Force