Eight men and seven women, aged between 28 and 49, are being investigated for their suspected involvement in unlicensed foreign exchange and remittance activities carried out in casino premises. Nine out of the 15 persons were arrested to further assist with police investigations.
On 5 and 6 February 2024, a multi-agency enforcement operation led by Central Police Division and supported by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Commercial Affairs Department, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority and partners from Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, was conducted at the Marina Bay Sands Casino.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the 15 persons in the casino were allegedly receiving or providing unlicensed services which included foreign currency exchanges, remittances and buying or selling of casino chips to casino patrons. During the operation, over SGD$140,000 worth of casino chips and cash and an array of handphones were seized.
Under Section 5 of the Payment Services Act 2019, if found guilty of carrying on a business of providing payment services without a licence, individuals may be punished with a fine of up to $125,000, imprisonment for a term of up to three years, or both.
Under Regulation 9 of the Casino Control (Conduct of Gaming) Regulations 2009, any person who uses chips for any purpose other than the playing of games or tips in the casino premises of the casino operator, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.
Commander of Central Police Division, Assistant Commissioner Ang Boon Sheng Jeremy, expressed his appreciation to all the agencies involved for their strong support and to Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, for providing invaluable information leading up to the enforcement operation. The Police will continue to work closely with other enforcement agencies to clamp down on illicit activities. The Police take a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal activities and will take firm action against those who blatantly disregard the law.
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SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
09 February 2024 @ 10:10 AM