A total of 260 people are being investigated by the police for their suspected involvement in scams or for acting as money mules, with the total amount involved exceeding $5.1 million.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, in a statement on Friday (Sept 26), the Singapore Police Force said that the Commercial Affairs Department and seven Police Land Divisions conducted a two-week islandwide enforcement operation from Sept 12 to 25. The suspects include 165 men and 95 women, aged between 16 and 83.
Police believe the suspects were linked to more than 700 scam cases. These scams ranged from e-commerce fraud to job scams, impersonation of friends or government officials, investment scams and rental scams, involving losses of over $5.1 million.
Those arrested may face charges for cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence. If convicted of cheating, offenders can face up to 10 years in jail and a fine.
Money laundering carries a penalty of up to 10 years in jail, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Providing unlicensed payment services carries a penalty of up to three years in jail, a fine of up to $125,000, or both.
The police stressed that they take a serious view of all scams and related offences, and offenders will face the full force of the law. They also reminded the public not to hand over their bank accounts or phone numbers to others, as this could make them accomplices in scam cases.
For more information on scam prevention, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the anti-scam hotline at 1799.
Those with information on scams can call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit details online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
