In a joint investigation between the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Commercial Affairs Department (CAD), Lee Ah Kwee, a 59-year-old male Singapore Citizen, was sentenced to an imprisonment term of 15 months and fine of $351,000 on 12 May 2017 for acting as a bookmaker and buying an illegal lottery ticket. He was also ordered to pay a sum of $273,545.99 to the Government on 14 February 2020 for benefits that were believed to have been derived by him from his illegal online betting activities.
Police investigations revealed that between 20 August 2013 and 10 July 2014, Lee Ah Kwee roped in agents to accept illegal bets via online soccer betting accounts in connection with several international soccer events, including FIFA World Cup 2014. Lee Ah Kwee also bought an illegal lottery ticket to enter a 4D draw via text message. On 26 January 2017, Lee Ah Kwee was convicted under Section 5(3)(a) of the Betting Act (Cap 21, 2011 Rev Ed) and Section 9(1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act (Cap 49, 1985 Rev Ed).
During the period under assessment, Lee Ah Kwee accumulated an unexplained wealth of $273,545.99. CAD eventually sought a confiscation order against Lee Ah Kwee to have the sum of $273,545.99, his residual illegal income, forfeited.
This case involves an illegal online soccer betting syndicate leader who was slapped with a hefty fine of $351,000 in addition to having a significant sum of $273,545.99 confiscated from him.
Under Section 5(1) of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act (Cap 65A), any person who is convicted of a serious offence is subjected to have the benefits derived by him from criminal conduct confiscated.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
09 April 2020 @ 10:15 AM