The Singapore Police Force (“SPF”) has arrested a 66-year-old man who is believed to be a leader of a locally-linked Organised Criminal Group (OCG).
On 24 October 2018, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Police Intelligence Department, Special Operations Command, Bedok Police Division, Clementi Police Division and Tanglin Police Division conducted simultaneous raids at more than ten locations island-wide, including Geylang, Sengkang, Bedok and Ang Mo Kio, resulting in multiple arrests. The man was among the 19 persons arrested for their suspected involvement in operating illegal gambling dens along Lorong 14 and 16 Geylang. The group was believed to have operated systematically, with a network of croupiers, assistants, and promoters, and lookouts deployed at strategic areas to detect police presence. All 19 persons were charged in court on 10 March 2021 for offences under the Common Gaming House Act (“CGHA”). In addition, the man was also charged for offences under the Organised Crime Act 2015 (“OCA”), the Misuse of Drugs Act (“MDA”) and Misuse of Drugs Regulations (“MDR”).
The 66-year-old man subsequently absconded and failed to attend court to face charges for his alleged involvement in operating illegal gambling dens. The State Courts issued a warrant of arrest against him. On 13 February 2025, SPF was alerted by the Royal Malaysia Police that the man was arrested in Malaysia for immigration offences, and fined RM3,000.
With the strong cooperation and assistance from the Malaysian authorities, the man was handed over to the SPF on 28 February 2025. He was produced in Court on 1 March 2025 to face the outstanding charges.
Under the OCA, any person who is or acts as a member of a locally-linked OCG shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or to both.
Under the CGHA, any person who has the care or management of, or assists in the management of a place kept or used as a common gaming house, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000, and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years.
Under the MDA, any person who is convicted for consumption of a specified drug with 2 previous convictions for consumption of a specified drug is liable to imprisonment for a term not less than 5 years and not more than 7 years, and not less than 3 strokes and not more than 6 strokes of the cane.
Under the MDR, any person subjected to a supervision order who fails to present himself for urine test shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 4 years, or both.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
13 March 2025 @ 9:45 PM