For reasons we may never know, loansharks find flinging food items at their victims’ doors the best way to get their money back.
It seems that nothing is more intimidating than a gate covered in broken eggshells and a door dripping with egg yolk.
Some loansharks have switched tactics recently, and turned to large, unsolicited food orders.
These two loansharks, however, weren’t fans of these two strategies, and tried something a little different instead.
Loansharks Allegedly Splashed Tomato Sauce on Debtor’s Door
Earlier this week, on Tuesday (23 Nov), the occupants of a residential unit along Pine Close found that their door was splashed with tomato sauce.
Normally, one would suspect that they had served some dry pasta in the past to some disgruntled guests, but the unrequested helping of tomato sauce was served with a debtor’s note, which was left near the gate.
Suspecting loansharks, the occupants called the police that same day.
Duo Arrested
Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from the Bedok Police Division managed to establish the identity of two suspects.
A 29-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman were subsequently arrested for their suspected involvement in the loanshark harassment case. One mobile phone was also seized as a case exhibit.
Under the Moneylenders Act 2010 (Revised Edition), the offence of loanshark harassment for first-time offenders carries the following penalties:
- a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000
- mandatory imprisonment of up to five years
- mandatory caning of up to six strokes
Police investigations against the woman are ongoing.
“The Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment. Those who deliberately vandalise property or cause annoyance and disruption to public safety, peace and security will be arrested and dealt with severely in accordance with the law,” they said.
If you suspect or know anyone who could be involved in such illicit activities, you can call the police at ‘999’ or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664.
What many victims forget is that they are in no way legally obliged to repay loansharks, as they’re engaging in illegal practices, making any debt unlawful.
What’s more, while loansharks may be masters of intimidation, giving in to their threats will only land you in more trouble, as you might end up assisting them, and committing a crime yourself.
So, tomato sauce on your door may seem bad, but it could get much, much worse.
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Featured Image: stockphoto-graf / Shutterstock.com