The Police have arrested three men and one woman, aged between 47 and 61, in an enforcement operation targeting illegal gambling activities conducted by Bedok Police Division along Lorong 19 Geylang on 19 May 2020.
The four arrested were believed to be operating an illegal online casino in a residential unit. They were arrested for offences under the Common Gaming Houses Act and the Remote Gambling Act 2014. Cash amounting to about $1400 and gambling-related paraphernalia were seized during the operation.
Under Section 4(1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act, any person who has the care or management of, or in any manner assists in the management of a place kept or used as a common gaming house, shall be liable on conviction to a fine between $5,000 and $50,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment up to three years. Under Section 7 of the same Act, any person who games in a common gaming house shall be liable on conviction to a fine up to $5,000 or to imprisonment up to six months, or to both.
Under Section 8(1) of the Remote Gambling Act 2014, an individual who, in Singapore, gambles using remote communication; and uses a remote gambling service not provided by an exempted operator shall be liable on conviction to a fine up to $5,000 or to imprisonment up to six months, or to both. Under Section 9(1)(e) of the same Act, any person who assists in providing unlawful remote gambling service for another shall be liable on conviction to a fine between $20,000 and $200,000, or to imprisonment up to 5 years, or to both.
Investigations are ongoing. Police are also investigating the four arrested for breaching safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.
The Police will continue to clamp down on criminal activities. Those found engaging in such activities will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law. Members of the public are also advised to take the circuit breaker measures seriously.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
20 May 2020 @ 6:45 PM