Two men, aged 18 and 22, were arrested on Friday for their suspected involvement in the recruitment of loanshark runners.

The 18-year-old suspect was arrested at about 11.20am in the vicinity of Victoria Street while officers nabbed the 22-year-old near Edgefield Walk at around the same time. Both were found with mobile phones containing suspected debtors' records.

The police said in a statement on Friday night that preliminary investigations revealed that both suspects are believed to be involved in recruiting loanshark runners and assigning harassment jobs to be carried out against targeted housing units.

This comes after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested on Jan 8 four youths suspected to be involved in a series of loanshark harassment cases involving fire.

If found guilty of loanshark harassment under the Moneylenders Act, the duo could be jailed for up to five years, and fined between $5,000 and $50,000. They are also liable for caning of up to six strokes.

The police advised members of public to stay away from loansharks and not to work with or assist loansharks in any way. The Police can be reached at 999 or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800 924 5664 if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in illegal loansharking activities.