270 people in police probe for involvement in scams where victims lost $5.4m

AI generated

SINGAPORE – A total of 185 men and 85 women are assisting with police investigations for their suspected involvement in scams as scammers or money mules.

They are believed to be involved in over 660 cases of scams, where victims reportedly lost around $5.4 million, said the police in a statement on Aug 13.

The scams comprise e-commerce scams, phishing scams, job scams, government official impersonation scams, investment scams and lucky draw scams.

The probe into the 270 people, aged between 15 and 80, follows a two-week operation between July 30 and Aug 12 by officers from the Cyber Command and the seven Police Land Divisions.

They are being investigated for the alleged offences of cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence.

Those found guilty of cheating face imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine, while those found guilty of money laundering will face up to 10 years’ jail, a fine of up to $500,000, or both punishments.

Those convicted of carrying on a business to provide any type of payment service in Singapore without a licence may be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $125,000, or both.

Meanwhile, scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates will face mandatory caning of at least six strokes and up to 24 strokes.

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.

For more information on scams, the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.

Those with information on scams may call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. All information will be kept strictly confidential, said the police.