147 people suspected of involvement in scams & money laundering
On 12 Nov, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) announced that it is investigating 147 people believed to be involved with scams and money laundering.
180 bank accounts have also been frozen, with more than S$486,000 seized.
This is the result of a joint operation between the SPF and local banks between 29 Sept and 24 Oct.
Source: Singapore Police Force
Youngest individual is 16 years old
52 women and 95 men are under investigation for their suspected involvement in the following:
- Government official impersonation scams
- Investment scams
- Job scams
The youngest individual is 16 years old, while the oldest is 76 years old.
It is believed that they allowed criminal syndicates to use their bank accounts for money laundering.
Beyond the banks, the SPF worked with social media companies, phone application messaging platforms, and telecommunications companies to disrupt more than 920 online scam enablers and terminate over 1,140 phone lines linked to scams.
People being investigated could be jailed up to 3 years, fined
The 147 people are being investigated for offences under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 and the Computer Misuse Act 1993.
Those found guilty of assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct in certain circumstances could be jailed up to three years, fined up to S$50,000, or both.
Meanwhile, individuals who facilitate unauthorised access to computer material could be jailed up to two years, fined up to S$5,000, or both.
The police advised the public to reject requests for the following:
- SingPass credentials
- Bank accounts
- Mobile lines
They warned that the individuals linked to accounts will be held accountable should there be any misuse.
Also read: Police can now restrict bank accounts of likely scam victims for up to 30 days
Police can now restrict bank accounts of likely scam victims for up to 30 days
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from the SPF and MustShareNews.
