309 people under probe over scams involving more than $14 million in losses
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The 211 men and 98 women, aged between 15 and 75, are believed to be involved in more than 1,700 cases of scams.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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SINGAPORE - A total of 309 people are assisting in investigations over their suspected involvement in scams in which victims reportedly lost over $14 million.
The 211 men and 98 women, aged between 15 and 75, are believed to be involved in more than 1,700 cases of scams as scammers or money mules, the police said on June 21.
These people are being investigated for the alleged offences of cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence.
Their victims fell for scams involving mainly friend impersonation, e-commerce, investments, internet love and jobs.
Officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and seven police land divisions conducted a two-week operation between June 7 and June 20.
The offence of cheating carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine, while those guilty of money laundering can be jailed for up to 10 years, fined up to $500,000, or both.
For carrying on a business to provide any type of payment service in Singapore without a licence, an offender can be fined up to $125,000, jailed for up to three years, or both.
The police reminded the public to reject requests by others to use their bank accounts or mobile phone lines, to avoid being accomplices to crimes.
For more information on scams, visit www.scamalert.sg
Anyone with information on such crimes can submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness
Despite numerous media reports and warnings by the authorities about scams, the number of reported cases hit a record high of 46,563 in 2023, with victims losing $651.8 million.
This is an increase from the 31,728 cases in 2022, according to figures released in February by the police
