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The Police are investigating nine men and two women, aged between 17 and 23 for their suspected involvement in illegal online gambling activities and misuse of bank accounts, following a gambling suppression operation conducted between 4 and 11 June 2026.

Officers from the Specialised Crime Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are investigating the 11 persons who were suspected of facilitating illegal online betting for others by obtaining online betting accounts from unlicensed betting platforms, or by providing personal bank accounts for unlicensed operators to conduct monetary transactions.

Investigations are ongoing against them for the following illegal activities:

1. Three persons are believed to have obtained illegal online betting accounts from unlicensed gambling operators for others to participate in illegal online gambling activities. The betting activities were believed to involve placing bets with unlicensed gambling operators and conducting monetary transactions through bank accounts controlled by illegal gambling syndicates. One of them is also believed to have participated in illegal online gambling activities by placing bets with unlicensed operators. They are being investigated for offences under Sections 18 and 20 of the Gambling Control Act 2022;  
   
   
2. Seven persons are believed to have sold or relinquished control of their personal bank accounts to illegal gambling syndicates. Preliminary investigations revealed that they had opened bank accounts before relinquishing control of the accounts and their banking credentials to these syndicates. They are being investigated for offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1993, Penal Code 1871 and the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992; and
   
   
3. One person is believed to have procured bank accounts for illegal gambling and other criminal activities. She is believed to have solicited bank accounts from others, by promising them a sum of money for every bank account relinquished. She is being investigated for offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1993.

Under Section 18(3) of the Gambling Control Act 2022, any person who is found to be involved in conducting an unlawful betting operation as an agent shall be liable on a conviction to a fine not exceeding S$200,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years. Under Section 20(3) of the same Act, any person who gambles with an unlawful gambling service provider shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both.

The Police will continue to take tough enforcement action against those involved in illegal gambling activities, regardless of their roles, and ensure that they face the full brunt of the law. Those who relinquish control of their bank accounts for use in criminal activities may be investigated under the Computer Misuse Act 1993, and may also be liable for offences under other relevant legislation.

Major international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup often lead to an increase in gambling activity, including illegal betting. Not only are such activities criminal offences, they may also expose individuals and their families to significant financial and social harm. Members of the public may contact the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1800-6-668-668 if they wish to seek help for themselves or their loved ones for gambling-related addiction. Members of the public who encounter illegal gambling websites or advertisements are advised to call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.