Man arrested for alleged involvement in ‘SEA Games’ scam

SINGAPORE – A 38-year-old man was arrested yesterday (May 21) for his suspected involvement in a “SEA Games” employment scam involving more than 50 individuals.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said they received a report on Monday stating that more than 50 people had been scammed after turning up at a company to report for training. The victims had paid S$35 to the suspect for training fees and event uniform after responding to purported job opportunities for the upcoming SEA Games on Facebook.

The suspect also conducted interviews for each of them and requested them to attend a compulsory 3-day training at a company located in New Bridge Road.

Investigations by SPF officers also revealed that the man was suspected to be involved in two other theft cases committed in Marine Parade and Serangoon Central.

The suspect was arrested at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 last night. A notebook, mobile phones and an iPad were seized by the officers.

The suspect will be charged tomorrow for the offence of Cheating under the Penal Code which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment and a fine.

Police also issued out an advisory to the public to wary of such scams and that they should verify them with the related authorities before engaging them.