They know the odds best – learn how SIOs Jonathan Lee and Tan Teng Teck from the Specialised Crime Branch combat illegal gambling.
By: Domnic Dass
In a secluded alleyway, the sound of rolling dice and chatter fills the air. It’s past midnight and a makeshift gambling den is in full swing, with players placing bets on a foldable table.
As “fortunes” are won and lost, a lookout’s urgent cry shatters the tension: “Police!”
Panic sets in as plainclothes officers appear, chasing down fleeing gamblers and shutting down the illegal operation.
They are the unsung heroes of a dedicated team in combatting illegal gambling in the Specialised Crime Branch (SCB) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Formed in 2010, the SCB investigates vice-related crimes, illegal gambling, online child sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.
Police Life sat down with Inspector (Insp) Jonathan Lee and Insp Tan Teng Teck, who are both seasoned Senior Investigation Officers (SIOs) from the SCB’s Gambling Investigation Team. Their stories offer a rare glimpse into the unrelenting pursuit of justice, as they share their journeys of tirelessly combating illegal gambling.
Dealing with Crime: A 27-Year Mission
Insp Lee’s journey began in 1993 when he joined the Singapore Police Force (SPF), inspired by a childhood dream of becoming an officer. With 27 years of investigative experience under his belt, Insp Lee has dedicated his career to tackling gambling-related offences.
From his early days at Ang Mo Kio Police Division to his tenure at the CID, Insp Lee has held various roles, including Investigation Officer (IO), Officer-in-Charge and Gambling Expert (a “Qualified Person” under the Criminal Procedure Code who can provide expert opinion in cases involving illegal gambling).
In 2010, Insp Lee joined the SCB as an SIO and Gambling Expert. “Besides investigating gambling-related offences, I also support enforcement raids targeting various crimes, including vice and sex trafficking,” he explained.
Insp Lee is driven by a desire to see justice served. “I’ve seen the devastating impact of illegal gambling on individuals and families,” he shared.
A Syndicate’s Gamble
Insp Lee recalled the challenges of investigating a notorious illegal gambling syndicate profiting from lotteries, football betting and horse racing.
Insp Lee’s team tirelessly worked to unravel the syndicate’s inner workings, leading to an islandwide crackdown targeting the mastermind behind the syndicate and its web of corruption.
“We worked in perfect harmony, our expertise and instincts converging in a perfectly executed sting operation,” Insp Lee said, his eyes gleaming with pride. “The evidence was watertight; the subsequent convictions stand as a testament to our dedication to justice.”
The Making of a Veteran Investigator
As the criminal landscape evolves, Insp Lee noted the need for investigators to stay ahead of the curve. “Criminals are adapting, using cyber-enabled tactics and complex money-laundering schemes to evade detection,” he explained. “We must continuously upgrade our skills to stay ahead and remain effective.”
Insp Lee’s pursuit of excellence has led him to hone his investigative skills through specialised courses conducted by various foreign Police Forces, and the Nevada Gaming Control Board, together with Insp Tan. He also shares his expertise with fellow officers and international counterparts through lectures on illegal gambling.
From Shore to Score
Insp Tan’s journey in policing began with a commitment to maritime law enforcement. As a young Full-time Police National Service (PNSF) officer, he joined the Police Coast Guard in 1992. Navigating our coastal waters, he discovered a new passion – to pursue a career in the SPF. In 1995, he traded his sea legs for a pair of patrol boots on land, joining the former Geylang Police Division.
Insp Tan’s battle against illegal gambling began in 1999 when he joined the CID. As a seasoned IO, Deputy Officer-in-Charge and Gambling Expert, he has played a pivotal role in dismantling gambling dens and bringing perpetrators to justice. In 2010, Insp Tan joined the SCB, leveraging his expertise to take on online gambling and transnational criminal groups.
Back-to-Back Wins
Insp Tan’s approach to enforcement can be summed up in two words – swift and decisive. He recalled a particularly memorable moment in his career – a daring raid on two gambling dens operated by the same syndicate.
“We struck the first den, apprehending several suspects, and then hit the second den in quick succession,” he recalled with a hint of pride in his voice. “We caught them off guard, arresting key suspects and delivering a crushing blow to the syndicate. It was a masterclass in enforcement, and we knew we’d dealt a significant blow to the criminal underworld.”
As he recalled that day, Insp Tan’s eyes sparkled with excitement: “Several suspects even attempted to escape by scaling the roof of the gambling den and making a break for it. But we followed in hot pursuit, working together to round them up.”
Teamwork in Policing
Another case that brought a smile to Insp Tan’s face was the raid on a unit of a bet collector: “We burst into the unit to arrest the suspect, but in a state of utter desperation, the suspect chucked all the gambling-related gear and a small fortune out of the window.”
But the officers were undeterred. “Cash and evidence were scattered everywhere down the block, but we managed to round everything up, despite the crowd that had gathered,” said Insp Tan. “It was quite a spectacle, and I couldn’t help but think how some offenders will stop at nothing to avoid facing the music, but will do anything to make a quick dollar.”
According to Insp Tan, teamwork is the backbone of success in policing. “The strong bonds we’ve formed create an environment where team members have each other’s backs, both professionally and personally,” he explained. “As colleagues and friends, we rally around each other, ensuring we can all perform to the highest standard and achieve our mission of fighting crime.”
The SCB plays a vital role in upholding law and order by targeting and dismantling criminal networks. Learn about the gritty reality of investigating cases involving vice and sex trafficking. Also, hear from two veteran undercover investigators who have spent their careers in the shadows keeping Singapore safe and secure, and from one of the SCB’s Cyber Guardians!
Explore Our Content
Editor's Pick
