Six nabbed for loansharking activities

SINGAPORE: A total of six people — five men and a woman — have been arrested for suspected involvement in loansharking activities in two separate cases.

In the first case, Jurong Police Division officers mounted an operation at Boon Lay and Jurong West, leading to the arrests of three of the men and the woman.

All are aged between 24 and 38.

The suspects are believed to be debtor—turned—runners who opened bank accounts and gave away their Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards and Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) to loansharks to facilitate their businesses.

In the second case, Woodlands East Neighbourhood Police Centre’s officers, acting on a tip—off, arrested a 27—year—old man around Woodlands Street 81 for involvement in loanshark harassment.

With more investigations, police arrested the suspect’s accomplice, a 22—year—old male, in the vicinity of Jurong West.

Preliminary investigations showed that both suspects were debtor—turned—harassers believed to be responsible for a series of loanshark harassment cases in places like Rivervale Drive, Yishun, Bedok Reservoir and Woodlands.

They allegedly splashed paint and scrawled loanshark—related graffiti on the walls of debtors’ units.

Both suspects will be charged in court on September 20, while investigations against the four suspects in the first case are ongoing.

— CNA/cc