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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has been informed by the Chinese authorities that 52 Singapore Citizens have been arrested and detained in Guangxi, China, following a law enforcement operation against suspected pyramid scheme activities and related offences. Investigations by the Chinese authorities are ongoing. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has contacted its Chinese counterparts to seek more information.

MFA has been engaging the Chinese authorities through the Singapore Embassy in Beijing and the Singapore Consulate-General in Guangzhou. MFA has conducted consular visits to all 52 Singaporeans to check on their well-being and provide consular assistance. MFA is also in contact with their next-of-kin.

The Singapore Government does not intervene in foreign judicial systems, just as we expect foreign governments to respect our laws and legal process. MFA will continue to engage the Chinese authorities and provide consular assistance to the Singaporeans and their families. We will stress that due process should be accorded to the Singaporeans in accordance with Chinese law. 

Singaporeans travelling or residing overseas are subject to the laws of the countries they are in. Singaporeans are reminded to exercise caution when invited to take part in schemes involving the recruitment of participants or the upfront payment of substantial sums of money, whether overseas or locally.