Z
Zhen Ji
Guest
Loanshark harassment suspect nabbed
Posted: 26 May 2011 1743 hrs
SINGAPORE: Police have arrested a 35-year-old Chinese man believed to be responsible for more than 25 cases of loanshark harassment by setting fire at debtors' units and splashing corrosive liquid on cars.
On May 23 at about 3.45pm, a vehicle owner lodged a police report after his vehicle and six others parked at the multi-storey carpark at Block 325A Sembawang Crescent were splashed with a corrosive liquid causing the paintwork to peel off.
Debtors' notes were found on their windscreens.
The vehicle owners were believed to have had no dealings with loansharks.
Officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division identified the suspect and arrested him on Wednesday, at about 8.30pm, at his home at Yishun.
Officers raided his residence and vehicle and found loanshark-related paraphernalia including markers, 'Zippo' lighter fluid and stacks of paper believed to be used as debtors' notes.
The suspect is linked to a series of harassment by fire cases island-wide.
Preliminary investigation indicates the suspect is responsible for at least 25 cases of loanshark harassment by scrawling loanshark-related graffiti, splashing paint, setting fire at debtors' units and pouring corrosive liquid on the vehicles of innocent parties.
He will be charged on Friday in court with loanshark harassment.
Under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010), first-time offenders convicted of loanshark harassment will be fined between S$5,000 and S$50,000, and can be jailed up to five years and be given up to six strokes of the cane.
Ang Mo Kio Police Division deputy commander Chua Chuan Seng said the police took a serious view against those who assisted loansharks and will ensure they face the full brunt of the law for harassing the innocent.
Singapore Police Force Public Affairs Department director Ng Guat Ting said: "It is fortunate, so far, that these harassment tactics like setting fire at debtors' units have not caused any serious injuries.
"However, innocent lives may be lost if the fire had gone out of control. We just need one unfortunate case to regret (it)."
Assistant Commissioner Ng advised those who needed help to apply for loans through legal channels.
-CNA/wk
