335 people being investigated after scam victims lose close to $15.4 million
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The suspects - 119 women and 216 men - are aged between 16 and 81.
The Straits Times
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SINGAPORE – The police are investigating 335 people for suspected involvement in scams as scammers or money mules after victims reportedly lost close to $15.4 million.
The suspects – 119 women and 216 men – are aged between 16 and 81, said the police on May 24.
They were nabbed after a two-week police operation, and are believed to be involved in more than 850 cases, including friend impersonation as well as investment, job and e-commerce scams.
They are being investigated for the alleged offences of cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence.
Cautioning people to avoid being accomplices to criminal activities, the police said people should always reject requests by others to use their bank account or mobile lines, as they will be held accountable for their misuse.
Cheating carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine, while those convicted of money laundering can be jailed for up to 10 years, fined up to $500,000, or both.
Those guilty of carrying on a business to provide any type of payment service in Singapore without a licence can be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $125,000, or both.
