The Police are investigating 89 men, aged between 34 and 87, for their suspected involvement in illegal horse betting activities.
In an island-wide operation conducted between 14 February 2022 and 20 February 2022, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the seven Police Land Divisions conducted raids at multiple locations, including Bedok, Beo Crescent, Marsiling, Jurong West, Telok Blangah Crescent, and Toa Payoh. During the operation, cash amounting to more than $30,000, an array of mobile phones, pens and documents such as betting records were seized.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the 89 men are believed to have been involved in various roles such as illegal bookmakers, runners as well as punters. Amongst them, ten out of the 89 men will also be investigated under the Remote Gambling Act 2014. Investigations against the 89 men are ongoing.
Under the Betting Act 1960, any person who bets with a bookmaker shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000, or a jail term of up to six months, or both. Any person who is found to be involved in bookmaking shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than $20,000 and not more than $200,000 and shall also be punished with a jail term of up to five years.
Under the Remote Gambling Act 2014, any person involved in unlawful remote gambling shall be liable on conviction to a fine of $5,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both. Any person involved in providing unlawful remote gambling service for another shall be liable on conviction to a fine not less than $20,000 and not more than $200,000, a jail term of up to five years, or both.
Police take a serious view against all forms of illegal gambling activities and will continue to take tough enforcement action, including prosecuting those involved to the fullest extent of the law. Members of the public are advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling activities.
Items seized as part of the operations
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
22 February 2022 @ 5:55 PM