Following a two-week enforcement operation conducted between 21 March and 3 April 2020 by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and seven police land divisions, 103 men and 50 women, aged between 16 and 70, are currently assisting with investigations for their suspected involvement in scams. The suspects are believed to be involved in 259 cases of scams amounting to more than $2.7 million. The scams are mainly internet love scams, China official impersonation scams, online purchase scams, and loan scams.
The suspects are being investigated for cheating or money laundering. Anyone found guilty of cheating under section 420 of the Penal Code, may be punished with imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine. Anyone found guilty of money laundering under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act, may be punished with an imprisonment for up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to S$500,000.
The Police take a serious view against any person who may be involved in scams and frauds, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance to 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 accounts are linked to illegal transactions.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
05 April 2020 @ 11:30 AM