SINGAPORE: Some 255 people are being investigated by the police over their suspected involvement in scams in which victims are believed to have lost around S$5.6 million.
The investigation follows an operation conducted from July 16 to 29 by officers from the Cyber Command – a new anti-scam and cybercrime police unit launched on July 3 – and the seven police land divisions.
In a statement on July 30, police said the 255 people are believed to be involved in more than 660 scam cases, including e-commerce, phishing, job, government official impersonation, investment and lucky draw scams.
The people – comprising 172 men and 83 women aged between 16 and 77 – are suspected of being scammers or money mules and are being investigated for cheating, money laundering or providing illegal payment services.
If found guilty of cheating, the suspects could face a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine. Those convicted of money laundering can face up to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.
Those found guilty of carrying on a business to provide any type of payment service without a licence could be jailed for up to three years, fined up to S$125,000, or both.
Since Dec 30, 2025, scammers and those involved in scam syndicates have faced mandatory caning of between six and 24 strokes.-ST/ANN
