By Channel NewsAsia, Updated: 23/08/2013
16 arrested for suspected involvement in loansharking activities
SINGAPORE: Police have arrested 16 people for suspected involvement in loansharking activities in an island-wide operation.
The suspects, 13 men and three women, are aged between 30 and 70.
Police conducted simultaneous raids in Ang Mo Kio, Yishun, Woodlands, Marsiling Drive, Sophia Road, Segar Road, Bukit Batok East and Bedok between 22 and 23 August.
Police seized an assortment of loansharking-related paraphernalia including cash of about S$23,000, ATM cards, bank books, internet banking devices and stacks of bank transaction receipts.
Police said the suspects are believed to have assisted a loanshark syndicate that is linked to more than 290 loanshark harassment cases.
Eight of the suspects will be charged on Saturday.
Investigations against the remaining suspects are ongoing.
If found guilty, the suspects each face a fine of between S$30,000 and S$300,000 and a jail term of up to four years and six strokes of the cane. - CNA/xq
