The Police have arrested 15 men and 18 women, aged between 25 and 80, for their suspected involvement in illegal gambling activities.
On 24 September 2020 at about 12.15am, the Police were alerted to a large gathering of people in the unit of a building along Bencoolen Street. The group was found to be engaged in illegal gambling activities and all 33 individuals were arrested for offences under the Common Gaming Houses Act and Remote Gambling Act 2014. Cash amounting to more than $60,000 and gambling-related paraphernalia were seized. Police investigations are ongoing.
The Police are also investigating the 33 individuals for their alleged breach of safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.
Under section 7 of the Common Gaming Houses Act, any person who games in a common gaming house shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
Under section 8 of the Remote Gambling Act 2014, any individual who, in Singapore, gambles using remote communication, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
Under Section 9(2)(a)(ii) of the Remote Gambling Act 2014, a person who, in Singapore organises, manages or supervises remote gambling by others in accordance with arrangements made by a principal of the agent, which may include placing, making, receiving or accepting bets using remote communication in accordance with those arrangements, and as a result facilitates one or more individuals outside Singapore to gamble using remote communication, shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than $20,000 and not more than $200,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both.
The police will continue to clamp down on criminal activities. Those found engaging in illicit activities will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.
Cash and gambling-related paraphernalia seized
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
24 September 2020 @ 9:05 PM