The Police are investigating 11 men and six women, aged between 17 and 70, for their suspected involvement in illegal gambling and breach of safe distancing measures.
On 16 May 2021 at about 12.50 am, the Police received a report on a large number of people gathering inside a residential unit along Boon Lay Place. Upon arrival, police officers found 17 persons purportedly gathering and engaged in gambling-related activities inside the unit. A 62-year-old man is being investigated for his suspected involvement in operating a common gaming house. The remaining 16 persons are being investigated for allegedly gaming in a common gaming house. Gambling-related paraphernalia were seized as case exhibits, and police investigations are ongoing.
The 17 persons will also be investigated for breaching safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.
Under the Common Gaming Houses Act, the offence of gaming in a common gaming house is punishable with a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. The offence of managing a place to be used as a common gaming house carries a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000 and an imprisonment term not exceeding three years.
For non-compliance with SDM under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, those found guilty may be punished with a fine not exceeding $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
The Police take a serious view of all forms of illegal gambling activities, and offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Members of the public are also advised to take the prevailing safe distancing measures seriously.
Gambling-related paraphernalia seized
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
17 May 2021 @ 7:40 PM