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 A total of 341 men and 209 women, aged between 16 and 83, are being investigated for their suspected involvement in more than 1,800 cases of scam and unlicensed moneylending activities, following a 10-day enforcement operation conducted by Bedok Police Division between 29 June and 8 July 2026. Of these 550 persons, 46 were arrested in connection with the scam and unlicensed moneylending activities. 

A total of 418 persons are believed to be involved in scam-related activities including e-commerce, investment, job, rental, phishing and loan-related scams as money mules, where victims reportedly lost over $14.8 million. They are being investigated for the offences of cheating, assisting another to retain proceeds from criminal conduct and unauthorised disclosure of Singpass access code. Another 132 persons are being investigated for their suspected involvement in unlicensed moneylending activities, involving transactions amounting to more than $2.3 million.

The offence of cheating under Section 420(2) of the Penal Code 1871 carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and with caning with not less than six strokes, and a fine. The offence of assisting another to retain benefits of drug dealing or benefits from criminal conduct in certain circumstances under Section 55A of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 carries an imprisonment term of up to three years, a fine not exceeding $50,000, or both. The offence of disclosure of passwords or access codes in relation to the national digital identity service under Section 8A of the Computer Misuse Act 1993 carries an imprisonment term of up to three years, a fine not exceeding $10,000, or both.

Under the Moneylenders Act 2008, first-time offenders found guilty of the offence of carrying on or assisting in a business of unlicensed moneylending shall be punished with imprisonment term of up to four years, a fine of not less than $30,000 and not more than $300,000, and caning of not more than six strokes. First-time offenders found guilty of the offence of acting on behalf of an unlicensed moneylender to commit or attempt to commit any acts of harassment shall be punished with imprisonment term of up to five years, a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000, and caning of not less than three and not more than six strokes.

Commander of Bedok Police Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Tay said: “Scams and unlicensed moneylending are not victimless crimes — they inflict real harm on victims, families and the wider community. The Police will continue to take firm and decisive action against those who prey on the vulnerable and who flout the law. We urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities promptly to the Police.”

The Police take a serious view of these offences and will not hesitate to take action against individuals who may be involved in scam and moneylending activities. To avoid being an accomplice in these crimes, members of the public should always reject seemingly attractive money-making opportunities promising fast and easy pay-outs, such as for the use of their Singpass accounts, bank accounts, or allow their personal bank accounts to be used to receive and transfer money for others. Members of the public are advised to stay away from scammers or unlicensed moneylenders and avoid working or assisting them in any way.

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the ScamShield helpline at 1799. Members of the public can call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in scams or unlicensed moneylending activities. All information provided will be kept confidential.