SINGAPORE - A 29-year-old man was charged in court on Wednesday (March 7) for his alleged part in a series of investment scams.

Police believe Alvin Ker Jia Jun has been involved in more than 40 cases involving over $600,000.

He is accused of one count of cheating and one of removing the benefits of his alleged criminal conduct out of Singapore.

The police said that between Feb 27 and March 4, officers received reports from people who responded to an online advertisement which claimed that they could double their investments within three months - before the man they talked to dropped contact.

The first charge states that on Dec 21 last year, Ker purportedly deceived a woman into believing that she was making an investment which would see her double her money.

As a result, he is said to have received $1,000 from her.

Ker is also accused of removing $15,000 from Singapore on Feb 27 which, according to court documents, represented some of the benefits of his alleged cheating activities.

Officers from Bedok Police Division arrested Ker on Monday.

The police said in a statement: "Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is believed to be involved in more than 40 similar cases."

Alleged victims of the scam formed a WhatsApp chat group which consisted of about 165 members as of March 4.

Ker, who is unrepresented, was not offered bail.

He is being remanded at Bedok Police Division and will be back in court on March 14.

If convicted of cheating, he could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.

If convicted of removing the benefits of his criminal conduct out of Singapore, he could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to $500,000.