Police probe over 300 suspected scammers and money mules; more than S$9 million lost
Avoid being an accomplice to crimes by rejecting requests from others to use your bank account or mobile line, advised the police.
A person receiving a phone call from an unknown number. (File photo: iStock/ronstik)
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SINGAPORE: More than 300 suspected scammers and money mules are being investigated following a two-week operation, said the police on Thursday (Apr 25).
The 214 men and 95 women are aged between 16 and 75.
The 309 people are believed to be involved in more than 1,600 scam cases, comprising mainly investment scams, internet love scams, job scams, friend impersonation scams, and e-commerce scams.
Victims of these scams reportedly lost over S$9 million (US$6.6 million), said the police.
The suspects are being investigated for the alleged offences of cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence.
Those convicted of cheating face up to 10 years' jail and a fine. The offence of money laundering carries a penalty of up to 10 years' jail, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.
If found guilty of providing payment services without a licence, offenders face a fine of up to S$125,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both.
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The islandwide enforcement operation between Apr 12 and Apr 25 was conducted by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and the seven Police Land Divisions.
The police warned that they take a "serious stance" against anyone who may be involved in scams.
"To avoid being an accomplice to crimes, members of the public should always reject requests by others to use your bank account or mobile lines as you will be held accountable if these are linked to crimes," they added.
