The Singapore Police Force (SPF) had participated in the INTERPOL-led Operation SOGA VI where law enforcement agencies coordinated efforts to combat illegal soccer gambling. The operation consisted of nearly 4,000 raids on illegal gambling syndicates which were estimated to have handled around US$649 million worth of bets.
As part of this operation, SPF arrested a total of 39 suspects believed to be involved in remote gambling activities. Preliminary investigations also revealed that the value of illegal bets collected by these suspects had totalled over S$2.5 million. In addition to cash of more than S$650,000, computers, laptops, modems, routers, mobile phones and other items believed to be used to facilitate illegal betting activities were seized. Through follow-up investigations, SPF also seized more than S$810,000 from the suspects’ banks accounts. Investigations against all the suspects are ongoing.
Under the Remote Gambling Act 2014, any individual who participates in unlawful remote gambling shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both. Any person who provides unlawful remote gambling services for another shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than $20,000 and not more than $200,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations & Intelligence) concurrent Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Tan Chye Hee said, “The series of operations conducted in Singapore reinforces the Police’s determination to stamp out unlawful remote gambling. The Singapore Police Force will continue to work with INTERPOL and our foreign counterparts to take tough enforcement actions against those who flout the law.”
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
18 July 2016 @ 5:10 PM