SINGAPORE - A 42-year-old man was arrested by police on Wednesday for his suspected involvement in a series of loanshark harassment cases.

Police had received reports of automated teller machines (ATMs) being splashed with paint between Friday and Sunday. In these cases, debtor's notes believed to be related to loanshark harassment were found on the ATMs.

Officers from the Bedok Police Division, Criminal Investigation Department and Police Intelligence Department carried out investigations. They also used footage from police cameras to establish the identity of the suspect.

Police officers then arrested the man around Syed Alwi Road on Wednesday, seizing phones, gloves and a mask in the process.

Preliminary investigations showed that the suspect is also allegedly responsible for other cases of loanshark harassment targeted at debtors' vehicles and residential units.

If convicted, he may be jailed up to five years, fined between $5,000 and $50,000 and caned between three and six strokes.