223 people under investigation over scams involving more than $3.89m in losses
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There are 223 suspects aged between 15 and 89.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
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SINGAPORE - More than 200 people suspected to be scammers or money mules are assisting the police with investigations over scam cases in which victims lost more than $3.89 million.
The suspects – 70 women and 153 men aged between 15 and 89 – are believed to be involved in more than 790 cases of scams, said the police in a statement on June 19.
The cases comprise mainly friend impersonation scams, investment scams, job scams, e-commerce scams, government official impersonation scams and rental scams.
The suspects were caught during a two-week operation from June 6 to 19 conducted by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and the seven police land divisions.
They are being investigated for the alleged offences of cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence, said the police.
For the offence of cheating, those found guilty may be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.
If found guilty of money laundering, they may be jailed for up to 10 years, fined up to $500,000, or both.
Those found guilty of providing payment services without a licence in Singapore may be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $125,000, or both.
The police advise members of the public to reject any requests by others to use their bank account or mobile lines, or they may become an accomplice to crimes and will be held accountable.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline on 1799.
Anyone with information on scams may call the police hotline on 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness
