SINGAPORE - Police have arrested a 42-year-old man who is believed to have been involved in cheating over 30 cabbies since May.

Police believe the suspect booked or flagged for taxis and would then direct them to stop over at a food centre before going to his intended destination. He is then believed to have asked for a loan of $30 to $50 from the cabbies, allegedly claiming that he did not have enough money to pay for his food.

After getting the amount from the taxi drivers, the suspect is believed to have absconded without returning the borrowed amount and paying the taxi fare.

Through ground enquiries and follow-up investigations, officers from the Bedok Division found out the identity of the suspect.

He was arrested at Block 180C Marsiling Road on Wednesday and will be charged in court on Friday for cheating. Offenders face a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.