In another large-scale operation against a suspected organised criminal group (OCG), the Police and Singapore Customs have arrested 44 men and 11 women, aged between 19 and 79, for their suspected involvement in various forms of criminal acts such as unlicensed moneylending and gang-related activities, operating illegal gambling dens, as well as the possession, dealing and storing of duty-unpaid cigarettes.
On 14 October 2017, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Singapore Customs conducted simultaneous raids at more than 10 locations islandwide, including Ang Mo Kio, Geylang, Sengkang, Toa Payoh and Yishun, resulting in the arrests. During the operations, cash amounting to S$596,517, documents believed to be unlicensed moneylending records, computers, mobile phones, gambling paraphernalia and more than 550 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized. The Police also initiated the freezing of the suspects’ bank accounts to prevent dissipation of suspected criminal proceeds.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspected OCG comprised networks of members with various roles such as facilitating unlicensed moneylending business and illegal gambling activities, and peddling and storing of duty-unpaid cigarettes. These activities took place at different locations in Singapore.
Investigations against all the suspects are ongoing for offences under the Organised Crime Act 2015, Moneylenders Act, Common Gaming Houses Act, Societies Act, and Customs Act.
Under the Organised Crime Act 2015, any person who is or acts as a member of a locally-linked OCG shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both.
Buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, having in possession or dealing with duty-unpaid goods are serious offences under the Customs Act and the Goods and Services Tax Act. Offenders will be severely dealt with. They can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded and/or jailed for up to six years.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations & Intelligence) concurrent Director of the Criminal Investigation Department Tan Chye Hee reiterated Police’s stand against OCGs: “Police have zero tolerance against OCGs that are involved in serious criminal activities which can pose a serious threat to Singapore’s safety and security.”
“This is the first joint operation by the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Customs against an OCG since the enactment of the Organised Crime Act 2015. Both agencies are resolute in our enforcement and investigation efforts against OCGs. We will spare no efforts to continue to disrupt and dismantle these OCGs and deprive them of their ill-gotten gains.” he said.
Unlicensed moneylending.
Illegal gambling.
Duty-unpaid cigarettes
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
17 October 2017 @ 3:10 PM