Singapore Cracks Down on Nationwide Scam Syndicates, 143 Under Investigation

Singapore police have placed more than 140 individuals under investigation following a coordinated enforcement operation targeting scam-related activities across the island. The operation was carried out between 19 and 30 December 2025 by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department working alongside all seven Police Land Divisions.

Authorities said 41 women and 102 men, aged between 16 and 79, are currently assisting with investigations for suspected roles as scammers or money mules. The group is believed to be linked to more than 400 scam cases, with total reported losses exceeding $3.82 million.

Range of Scam Types Identified

Police stated that the cases under investigation span a wide range of scam categories. These include e-commerce scams, friend impersonation scams, job scams, government official impersonation scams, investment scams, and rental scams. In many instances, suspects allegedly facilitated the movement of illicit funds or allowed their bank accounts and mobile lines to be used by syndicates.

Investigators are examining possible offences including cheating, money laundering, and operating unlicensed payment services.

New Caning Provisions Take Effect

Under Singapore law, cheating offences under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871 carry penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine. Money laundering offences under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 are punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Operating a payment service without a licence under the Payment Services Act 2019 may result in fines of up to $125,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.

With effect from 30 December 2025, scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, with up to 24 strokes imposed for serious cases. Scam mules may face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes, particularly where offences involve money laundering, Singpass misuse, or SIM card-related violations.

Police reiterated that individuals who allow their financial accounts or digital credentials to be used for criminal activity may be held legally responsible.