Following a three-day enforcement operation conducted between 27 and 29 July 2020 by officers from the Central Police Division, 56 men and 29 women, aged between 19 and 71, are currently assisting with investigations for their suspected involvement in 112 cases of scams, where victims lost more than $716, 000.
Most of the suspects are believed to have acted as money mules, who have received and transferred illegal funds on behalf of criminal syndicates. Other suspects are believed to have posed as online sellers and did not deliver the products to their buyers after receiving payment. Attractions tickets, mobile phones and hotel room bookings are some of the common items that scammers use to entice their victims.
The suspects are being investigated for the offence of cheating or money laundering. The offence of cheating under section 420 of the Penal Code carries an imprisonment 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 an imprisonment term of up to 10 years, and a fine of up to $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 accounts 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
31 July 2020 @ 12:36 AM