A total of 217 people were arrested for investigations of suspected involvement in scams and scam-related activities, said the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in a statement released on Friday (Jan. 30).
“78 women and 139 men, aged between 16 and 83, are assisting with investigations for their suspected involvement in scams as scammers or money mules,” the statement added.
The suspects were arrested following a 2-week joint-operation conducted between Jan. 16 and 29 by Officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and the seven Police Land Divisions, according to the statement.
They are believed to be involved in more than 700 cases of scams involving e-commerce, friend impersonation, jobs, government official impersonation, investment and rental.
Victims reportedly lost more than $7.67 million.
The suspects are being investigated for the alleged offences of cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence.
An offence of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871 carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine.
Persons convicted of money laundering would be liable for jail of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $500,000, under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992.
The provision of any form of payment services in Singapore without a licence is an offence under Section 5 of the Payment Services Act 2019. It carries a fine of up to $125,000, an imprisonment term of up to three years, or both.
Singapore has recently tightened its laws and enforcement against scammers and related crimes, with several major legal changes and new powers introduced to deter scams and protect the public.
The statement said that scammers and recruiters of scam syndicates will face mandatory caning of six to 24 strokes of the cane with effect from Dec. 30 last year.
“Scam mules who enable scammers by laundering scam proceeds, providing SIM cards and providing Singpass credentials will face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes,” it added.
Last October, a framework was introduced to restrict the access of services of scam mules.
“Under the Facility Restriction Framework, individuals involved in mule-related offences – whether they are under investigation and assessed to be at risk, or have been warned, issued with composition sums, prosecuted, or convicted – may face restrictions on banking services and mobile line subscriptions to prevent further facilitation of scams.”
