The Police are investigating 11 men and five women, aged between 30 and 67, for their suspected involvement in illegal online gambling activities.
During a joint operation conducted from 21 August 2024 to 22 August 2024, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Ang Mo Kio Police Division and Police Intelligence Department conducted simultaneous raids in the vicinity of Serangoon North Avenue 4, and several other locations across Singapore, resulting in the arrests.
Amongst the 16 persons, five persons allegedly gambled at these unlawful gambling places. The remaining 11 persons were part of a syndicate who allegedly financed, organised or assisted in the organisation of these unlawful gambling places, offering online gambling games.
During the operation, cash amounting to more than $48,000, computers and other gambling paraphernalia were seized as case exhibits.
Four men, aged between 30 and 63, and one woman, aged 61, will be charged in court on 23 August 2024 with offences under the Gambling Control Act 2022.
Investigation against all other persons are ongoing.
Under Section 25(1) of the Gambling Control Act 2022, any person who provides financing for any step taken in the process of conducting an unlawful gambling place shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years.
Anyone who organises, manages or assists in the organisation or management of any unlawful gambling place will have committed an offence under Section 24(1) of the Gambling Control Act 2022. If convicted, the person shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $200,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
Under Section 23(1) of the Gambling Control Act 2022, a person commits an offence if the person is an occupier of a place and allows the place to be used as an unlawful gambling place. The person will be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years if found guilty of the offence.
Under Section 20(3) of the same Act, any person who gambles with an unlawful gambling service provider shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$10,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both.
The Police take a serious view against all forms of illegal gambling activities and will continue to take tough enforcement action and prosecute those involved to the fullest extent of the law. Members of public are advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
22 August 2024 @ 10:45 PM