Debtor that Attacked Debt Collector with Axe in Singapore Pleads Guilty

A debt collector in Singapore was severely injured in February when a man from whom he was attempting to collect a debt attacked him with an axe. The debtor pled guilty Friday to his crimes and awaits sentencing.

The debtor worked for payday lender Oasis Credit and was legitimately collecting a $120 past due account from Chong Chee Hiong on February 13, according to the Straits Times. The collector, Sandy Tan Xin Sheng, knocked on Chong’s door and invited the man outside to discuss the debt. After refusing to pay, Chong grabbed an axe from inside his apartment and slashed Tan’s face.

When Tan fell to the ground, Chong continued to attack his legs. Tan recovered from his wounds after surgery and six weeks of medical care.

On Friday, Chong not only admitted to the assault, but conceded that he did owe the debt. He noted that he had a gambling habit and took out loans from legal credit companies and loan sharks alike.

Chong is due to be sentenced September 18. He faces seven years in prison, fines, and a possible caning.