Following a three-week enforcement operation conducted between 27 June and 17 July 2020 by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and the seven police land divisions, 120 men and 70 women, aged between 16 and 69, are currently assisting with investigations for their suspected involvement in scams. The suspects are believed to be involved in 382 cases of scams, comprised of mainly internet love scams, online purchase scams, and loan scams, where victims purportedly lost more than $1.8 million.
The suspects are being investigated for cheating or money laundering. The offence of cheating under section 420 of the Penal Code carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine. The offence of money laundering under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act carries a jail term of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to S$500,000.
The police take a serious view against any person who may be involved in scams, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance to the law. To avoid being an accomplice to crimes, members of the public should always reject requests by others to use your bank account or mobile lines as you will be held accountable if these are linked to illegal transactions.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800 722 6688. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police hotline at 1800 255 0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
18 July 2020 @ 6:50 PM