Singapore Police Investigate 335 Individuals Involved in 850 Scam Cases

Singapore's Commercial Affairs Department, together with Police Land Divisions, launched an investigation between 9 and 22 May into 335 individuals in connection with the 850 scam cases.

The persons under investigation, aged from 16 to 81, are suspected to have been involved in fraudulent activities as perpetrators or money mules and are assisting the police in their investigations. Different kinds of scams, including investment scams, government official impersonation scams, and job scams, are said to have caused more than $15.4 million in losses to victims.

Those under investigation are allegelly faced offences such as cheating, money laundering or, providing payment services without a license. If convicted of cheating, they could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine.

The Singapore Police Force emphasizes its firm stance against scam perpetrators and any individuals linked to such crimes under the law. To prevent unwitting involvement in criminal activities, the police urge the public to refrain from allowing others to use their bank accounts or phone numbers, or they will be held accountable if these are linked to crimes.

Criminals pay for access to other people's bank account numbers and personal information, which they use to receive the proceeds of their scam. The existence of such ‘money mules’ facilitates money laundering and helps criminals to hide their real identities, making it difficult for authorities to conduct investigations to find the identity of perpetrators or recover the victim's funds.