SINGAPORE - A 38-year-old man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a "SEA Games" employment scam that has duped more than 50 people.
The victims had responded to advertisements posted on Facebook by the suspect, purporting to offer jobs for the upcoming 28th South-east Asia (SEA) Games.
The regional sporting event will held in Singapore from June 5 to 16.
The suspect interviewed victims for the jobs at various locations in Singapore. Following the interview, the suspect collected $35 for training fees and uniforms from each victim.
He then asked each of them to attend a compulsory three-day training at a company in New Bridge Road.
Police received a report on May 18 that more than 50 individuals turned up at the company for training, only to discover that they had fallen prey to an employment scam.
Police officers arrested the suspect at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 on Thursday night. They also seized a notebook, mobile phones and an iPad.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is also believed to be involved in two other theft cases committed in Marine Parade and Serangoon Central, police said.
The suspect will be charged on Saturday (May 23) for the offence of cheating, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years, and a fine.
In their statement, the police reminded the public to be wary of such scams. If in doubt, members of the public "should seek verification with related authorities, recruitment agencies or main event organisers", police said.
