Police are investigating 52 men and one woman, aged between 49 and 84, for their suspected involvement in illegal horse betting activities.
In an island-wide operation conducted between 21 September 2022 and 28 September 2022, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and the seven Police Land Divisions conducted raids at multiple locations, including Ang Mo Kio, Bendemeer, Beo Crescent, Geylang, Jalan Bukit Merah, Jurong West, Toa Payoh, Upper Boon Keng and Woodlands. During the operation, cash amounting to more than S$31,000, and an array of mobile phones, pens and documents such as betting records, were seized.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the 53 suspects are believed to have been involved in various roles such as illegal bookmakers, runners as well as punters.
Investigations against the suspects are ongoing.
Under the Gambling Control Act 2022, any person who gambles with an unlawful gambling service provider shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. Any person who is found to be involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an operator shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years. Any person who is found to be involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an agent shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $200,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
The Police take a serious view against all forms of illegal gambling activities and will continue to take tough enforcement action, including prosecuting those involved, to the fullest extent of the law. Members of the public are advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling activities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
30 September 2022 @ 7:25 PM