Between 30 and 31 May 2016, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducted several operations. 16 men, aged between 21 and 76, are now being investigated for their suspected involvement in remote gambling activities. During the operations, mobile phones and documents such as online betting records were also seized as case exhibits.
Preliminary investigations revealed that 10 of the suspects were involved in illegal soccer betting activities. Six suspects were believed to have allowed their bank accounts or mobile lines to be used by illegal remote gambling syndicates to facilitate their operations.
Under the Remote Gambling Act 2014, an individual who participates in unlawful remote gambling shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both. Any person who provides unlawful remote gambling services for another shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than $20,000 and not more than $200,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both. This includes any person who facilitates the commission of the offence where the person is reckless as to whether the conduct would aid or enable the commission of the offence.
Head of the Specialised Crime Branch of CID, Superintendent of Police Lawrence Eng, said, “The Police are determined to stamp out unlawful remote gambling and will continue to take tough enforcement actions against those who flout the law, including those who assist remote gambling syndicates in any way. The Police would also like to advise members of the public to resist the temptation of placing bets with illegal bookies and unauthorised operators, especially in view of the upcoming UEFA EURO 2016.”
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
02 June 2016 @ 5:57 PM