324 under investigation for involvement in more than 870 scam cases across Singapore
A 15-year-old was among 324 people assisting in police probes into over 870 scam cases, the Singapore Police Force said on Thursday (7 November). The two-week islandwide operation uncovered scams involving $6.57 million in losses. Suspects aged 15 to 74 are being investigated for cheating, money laundering or unlicensed payment services.
- 324 suspects, including a 15-year-old, are assisting investigations into over 870 scam cases linked to $6.57 million in reported losses.
- The two-week nationwide operation targeted scammers and money mules involved in impersonation, investment and rental scams.
- Newly passed laws will impose mandatory caning for scammers and syndicate recruiters to strengthen deterrence against digital fraud.
SINGAPORE — A total of 324 people, including a 15-year-old, are assisting police with investigations into their suspected involvement in scams as scammers or money mules, said the Singapore Police Force (SPF) today (7 November).
Nationwide operation targets scam suspects
The suspects — 114 women and 228 men aged between 15 and 74 — were identified following a two-week enforcement operation conducted between 24 October and 6 November by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and the seven police land divisions.
They are believed to be involved in more than 870 scam cases, including friend impersonation scams, investment scams, government official impersonation scams and rental scams. Victims reportedly suffered total losses exceeding $6.57 million (approximately US$4.8 million).
Facing charges for cheating, money laundering and unlicensed services
The individuals are being investigated for alleged offences of cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence.
Under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871, cheating carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.
Under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992, money laundering is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000 (approximately US$383,500), or both.
Under the Payment Services Act 2019, carrying on a payment service business without a licence can result in up to three years’ jail, a fine of up to $125,000 (approximately US$95,000), or both.
Harsher penalties for scam syndicates
Parliament passed major amendments to the Penal Code on 4 November, introducing mandatory caning for scammers and scam recruiters under the Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill.
Those who recruit or participate in organised scam syndicates may face between six and 24 strokes of the cane, in addition to existing penalties.
Public urged to stay vigilant
Members of the public are advised to visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799 for more information on scams.
Anyone with information on such activities can contact the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit details online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
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