The Police have arrested three men, aged between 22 and 40, for their suspected involvement in money laundering activities linked to scams.
On 5 December 2024, the Police conducted an operation and arrested two men in the vicinity of Orchard Road. During the arrest, the Police seized two mobile phones, 51 bank cards and cash amounting to $34,700 were seized as case exhibits. Preliminary investigations revealed that the duo allegedly withdrew illicit proceeds from several compromised bank accounts which did not belong to them. The illicit proceeds are believed to be derived from scams. They had allegedly facilitated the laundering of scam proceeds by withdrawing the money and redepositing the cash into other bank accounts or handing over the money to couriers or runners arranged by the syndicate.
Upon further investigations, the Police arrested another 40-year-old man in the vicinity of Jurong. He is believed to have facilitated scam activities by moving large amounts of physical cash by collecting and handing it over to others on behalf of the syndicate. Two mobile phones and cash amounting to more than SGD 217,000 were seized as case exhibits. Police investigations are ongoing.
The two men will be charged in court on 7 December 2024 with abetment to unauthorized access to computer system of banks. The offence under Section 3(1) read with Section 12 of the Computer Misuse Act 1993 carries an imprisonment term of up to 2 years, a fine up to $5,000, or both.
The Police take a serious view of these offences and will not hesitate to take action against individuals who may be involved in scams, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law. 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 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. The Police would like to remind members of the public that individuals will be held accountable if they are found to be linked to such crimes.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam helpline at 1800-722-6688. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police Hotline at 1800-255 0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
06 December 2024 @ 8:25 PM