359 people under probe over 1,200 scam cases that claimed more than S$7m from victims

SINGAPORE — Some 359 people aged between 16 and 78 are assisting police with investigations for their suspected involvement in various types of scams that claimed more than S$7 million from victims.

This came after a two-week operation conducted by the Commercial Affairs Department and seven police land divisions between April 15 and 27, the police said in a statement on Thursday (April 27) night.

The 234 men and 125 women are believed to be involved in more than 1,200 cases of scams, comprising mainly phishing scams, government officials impersonation scams, investment scams, job scams, fake friend call scams, loan scams, and e-commerce scams.

The suspects are under investigations for alleged offences of cheating, money laundering or providing unlicensed payment services.

The police warned that they take a serious stance against any person who may be involved in scams, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“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.

Anyone found guilty of cheating may be liable for a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine. Money laundering offences carry a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.

Anyone convicted of providing unlicensed payment services in Singapore as a business may be jailed up to three years or fined up to S$125,000, or both.