Singapore Police Investigate 288 Suspects in $6.54 Million Fraudulent Activities

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) conducted a two-week operation from 31 October 2024 to 14 November 2024, resulting in the arrest of 288 individuals—189 men and 99 women—aged between 16 and 76. They are being investigated for their suspected involvement in scams as scammers or money mules.

The suspects are believed to be connected to over 1,208 cases of scams, including job scams, e-commerce scams, friend impersonation scams, investment scams, internet love scams, and fake buyer scams. Victims reportedly lost more than $6.54 million due to these fraudulent activities.

The suspects are being investigated for alleged offences such as cheating, money laundering, and providing payment services without a license. The offence of cheating carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine,  money laundering can result in up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both, and operating an unlicensed payment service can lead to a fine of up to $125,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

The SPF emphasizes its firm stance against individuals involved in scams, stating that perpetrators will be dealt with according to the law. To avoid becoming accomplices to crimes, members of the public are advised to reject requests to use their bank accounts or mobile lines, as they will be held accountable if these are linked to criminal activities.