Man Arrested After Allegedly Setting Fire to Jurong East Flat in Loanshark Harassment Case
SINGAPORE — A 21-year-old Malaysian man has been arrested after allegedly setting fire to a flat in Jurong East in a suspected loanshark harassment case, with police tracing and apprehending him within 15 hours of receiving the report.
The incident happened at about 6.40 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Singapore Police Force. Officers from the Clementi Police Division, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Police Operations Command Centre worked together to establish the suspect's identity before arresting him on Monday, September 7.
Suspect taken back to alleged crime scene
After his arrest, the man was brought back to the alleged crime scene by investigation officers.
Police photographs showed burn marks and damage to the gate and main door of the victim's unit. The suspect was also seen being questioned in connection with loanshark-related graffiti found on a wall.
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the occupants of the flat or the extent of any injuries resulting from the fire.
Man faces loanshark harassment charge
The suspect is due to be charged in court on September 9 with an offence of loanshark harassment.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to S$50,000 and up to six strokes of the cane, under Singapore law.
The case remains before the courts, and the allegations against the man have not been proven.
CID warns against helping illegal moneylenders
CID director Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Julius Lim warned that police would continue pursuing people involved in harassment carried out on behalf of unlicensed moneylending syndicates.
He stressed that authorities would remain relentless in pursuing such offenders, particularly when their actions put lives and property at risk.
Police also reminded that foreigners who borrow from or are convicted of assisting unlicensed moneylenders may have their work or student passes cancelled and may be deported from Singapore after completing their sentences.
The Jurong East case underscores how loanshark harassment can quickly escalate from threatening graffiti to deliberate attacks on homes — prompting Singapore police to send a clear warning that those who carry out such acts will be aggressively pursued.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D