343 people under investigation over scams involving more than S$6 million
The suspected scammers and money mules are believed to be involved in close to 860 cases.
A woman sending a text message on a mobile phone. (File photo: iStock)
SINGAPORE: A total of 236 men and 107 women are being investigated for their suspected involvement in scams following a two-week police operation.
The suspects, aged between 14 and 78, are believed to be linked to more than 857 cases of scams, either as scammers or money mules, said the police in a news release on Friday (Jul 22).
The scams, which include Internet love scams, government and China officials impersonation scams, e-commerce scams and business email impersonation scams, saw victims lose close to S$6.1 million.
The suspects are being investigated for the alleged offences of cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence.
The operation, conducted by the Commercial Affairs Department and seven police land divisions, took place between Jul 8 and Jul 21.
Those found guilty of cheating face a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.
For money laundering, those convicted can be jailed up to 10 years, fined up to S$500,000, or both.Â
The offence of carrying on a business to provide any type of payment service in Singapore without a licence carries a fine not exceeding S$125,000, an imprisonment term not exceeding three years, or both.
"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," said the police in its news release.
Those who wish to provide any information on scams may call the police hotline at 1800 255 0000 or submit information online.
