The Police are investigating 24 suspects, aged between 18 and 53, for their suspected involvement in various offences under the Betting Act, and Remote Gambling Act 2014, following an operation conducted on 14 and 15 October 2020.
The suspects are being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department for allegedly giving away their bank accounts to illegal gambling syndicates and being involved in unlawful remote gambling activities. The Police have also frozen the suspects’ bank accounts to prevent dissipation of suspected criminal proceeds. Investigations are ongoing.
Under Section 5(1) of the Betting Act, Chapter 21, except as permitted by an exemption under Section 22, any person who bets or wagers in a common betting-house, or with a bookmaker in any place or by any means, or who for the purpose of betting or wagering loiters in any place to which the public has or may have access shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or both.
Under Section 8(1) of the Remote Gambling Act 2014, an individual who, in Singapore, gambles using remote communication and using a remote gambling service that is not provided by a person otherwise exempt shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or both.
Under Sec 9(1)(e) of the Remote Gambling Act 2014, any person who assists in providing unlawful remote gambling service for another shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than $20,000 and not more than $200,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or both.
The Police will continue to clamp down on criminal activities, including illegal betting and remote gambling. Those found engaging in illicit activities will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
16 October 2020 @ 5:00 PM