Loansharking Situation In Singapore
The loansharking situation in Singapore
Further progress has been made in the fight against loansharking activities in 2011.
Total UML and harassment cases [1] continue to fall with more arrested
There was a reduction of 3,492 cases (or -21%) of UML and harassment in 2011 where 13,342 cases were reported, as compared to 2010 where 16,834 cases were reported. While the number of cases have fallen, continual community partnership coupled with Police’s resolute crackdown on all levels of the loansharking syndicates and on all persons involved in loansharking activities of any nature have resulted in a 31% increase in arrests - from 1,508 persons in 2010 to 1,981 persons in 2011 (or +473 persons).
Total Loanshark harassment cases [2] fall significantly with more arrested
In 2011, 11,776 cases of loanshark harassment were recorded, a significant 24% drop (or -3,749 cases) from the 15,525 loanshark harassment cases recorded in 2010. Correspondingly, 373 persons have been arrested for loanshark harassment in 2011. This is an almost 50% increase (or +120 persons) from the 253 persons arrested for loanshark harassment in 2010.
Police’s efforts in combating loansharking activities
The number of loansharking and harassment cases has been on a steady decline since 2009. At the same time, the number of persons arrested for loansharking and harassment has been on an increase over the last three years. This is testament to Police’s relentless commitment in tackling the loansharking situation until the menace is eradicated.
Police take a serious view of loansharking and related harassment cases and will continue efforts to clamp down on all levels of the loanshark syndicates and bring all perpetrators of loansharking activities to justice, regardless of their involvement.
Measures have also been taken at all levels, from to the Police and community, against loansharking and harassment. The strategies is multi-pronged and that of enhancing legislation, strengthening enforcement and collaborating with strategic partners. The amended Moneylenders Act came into effect on 11 February 2010 allowing us to deal with loansharking syndicates as such criminal organisations, so as to target financiers and masterminds, disrupt flow of money and resources and ensure that leaders do not escape the bite of our laws by instructing local operatives from the haven of other countrie s. To target the many layers comprising an organisation, anyone who contributes or facilitates a loansharking operation will not escape the law.
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[1] These cases are classified under the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010).
[2] Cases of loanshark harassment refer to harassment specific cases classified under Section 28 of the Moneylenders Act (Revised Edition 2010). They form part of the overall UML and harassment cases stated in (a) above.
You believe their reports?