SINGAPORE - Sixteen men are being investigated by the police for their suspected involvement in unlawful remote gambling activities, the police said on Thursday (May 2).

The men, aged between 21 and 76, were discovered by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) during several operations on Monday (May 30) and Tuesday (May 31).

Mobile phones and documents, such as online betting records, were also seized.

Preliminary investigations showed that 10 suspects were involved in illegal soccer betting activities, while the other six suspects supposedly allowed illegal remote gambling syndicates to use their bank account or mobile line for their operations.

"The police are determined stamp out unlawful remote gambling and will continue to take tough enforcement actions against those who flout the law, including those who assist remote gambling syndicates in any way," said Superintendent of Police Lawrence Eng, who heads the CID's specialised crime branch.

The police has also advised the public to resist the temptation of placing bets with illegal bookies and unauthorised operators, especially with the 2016 UEFA European Championship coming up.

Under the Remote Gambling Act, anyone found guilty of participating in unlawful remote gambling may be jailed up to six months, fined up to $5,000 or both.

Those convicted of providing unlawful remote gambling services may be jailed up to five years, fined at least $20,000 or both. It includes those who aid in committing the offence.