Tampines moneylender allegedly robbed of $6k at knifepoint by Aussie man wearing cap and mask
A 39-year-old man was arrested for his suspected involvement in the armed robbery of a licensed moneylender on June 3.
The police were alerted to the case at Accredit at Block 503 Tampines Central 1 at about 2.10pm.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had allegedly robbed the woman at knifepoint while wearing a mask and a cap.
After he demanded for cash to be put into a bag, the woman handed over cash amounting to $6,095.
Even as she was preparing the money, she maintained her composure and took note of the robber's features and attire.
While en route to the moneylender, responding officers obtained the detailed description of the man from the woman.
When the officers arrived, they observed a man fitting the description and arrested him within half an hour of the robbery.
The stolen cash was recovered in full along with the knife used in the robbery.
"The detailed description provided by the victim was vital in the swift arrest," said Commander of Bedok Police Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Justin Wong.
"Credit goes to the responding officers for their keen observation skills and good ground knowledge, that they were able to arrest the armed robber within 30 minutes of the robbery."
Australian Jose Manuel Pacheco was charged in court on June 4 with armed robbery, which carries an imprisonment term of between three to 14 years, and at least 12 strokes of the cane.
