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Singapore police are investigating 231 people in connection with more than 700 suspected fraud cases that collectively caused losses of about S$4.1 million.
The investigation followed a two-week islandwide enforcement operation involving the police Cyber Command and seven police divisions. Authorities identified 149 men and 82 women, ranging in age from 15 to 76.
The scale of the operation points to the wide network often needed to carry out modern scams. Police are examining whether those identified were directly involved in fraud, helped move criminal proceeds, or provided services used to support scam operations.
The cases span several of Singapore’s most common fraud categories, including e-commerce scams, phishing attacks, fake job offers and investment schemes. Investigators are also looking into cases involving impersonation of government officials and fraudulent lucky draw promotions.
Fraud Cases Under Multiple Laws
Those under investigation could face allegations ranging from cheating and money laundering to providing payment services without the required licence.
Under Singapore law, cheating and money laundering offences can each carry prison sentences of up to 10 years.
The potential penalties extend beyond imprisonment in some cases. People found to have participated in scam operations or recruited others into scam syndicates may face mandatory caning, with penalties ranging from six to 24 strokes.
The legal consequences for alleged money mules can also be severe. Those who help transfer suspected criminal funds, or provide others with SIM cards or Singpass credentials for illegal activity, may face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.
Banking and Mobile Restrictions
Singapore authorities are also using administrative measures aimed at disrupting suspected scam networks before criminal cases are resolved.
Under the country’s Facility Restriction Framework, people suspected of acting as money mules may have restrictions imposed on their access to banking services and mobile subscriptions.
The latest operation shows how investigations are increasingly targeting not only those believed to have initiated scams but also the individuals accused of supplying accounts, credentials, payment channels and other tools that allow fraudulent money to move through the system.
For the 231 people now under investigation, the next stage will depend on the evidence gathered in the individual cases. The operation covered 721 suspected fraud incidents and more than S$4 million in reported losses, leaving investigators to examine a broad range of alleged roles across Singapore’s scam economy.
Source: www.occrp.org
