309 suspects linked to Singapore scams involving over RM35 million in losses under probe

The suspects were believed to be involved in internet love, e-commerce, friend impersonation, investment and job scams. - PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): A total of 309 suspects linked to more than 1,300 cases of scams involving losses of over US$10 million (RM35 million) are being investigated by the police.

The 215 men and 94 women, aged between 15 and 78, are under probe for their alleged involvement in scams as scammers or money mules, the police said in a statement on July 6.

The suspects were hauled up during a two-week operation between June 21 and July 4 by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and the seven police land divisions.

They were believed to be involved in internet love, e-commerce, friend impersonation, investment and job scams.

The suspects are being investigated for cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence.

If convicted of cheating, offenders can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.

If convicted of money laundering, offenders can be jailed for up to 10 years, fined up to $500,000, or both.

If convicted of providing payment services without a licence, offenders can be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $125,000, or both.

There were 46,563 scam cases reported in 2023, the highest number since the police started tracking such cases in 2016. This is 46.8 per cent higher than the 31,728 cases in 2022.

Scam victims in Singapore lost $651.8 million in 2023.

The police said they take a serious stance against any person who may be involved in scams.

“Perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the police added.

To avoid being an accomplice to such crimes, members of the public should always reject requests by others to use their bank accounts or mobile lines, the police said.

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit scamalert.sg or call the anti-scam helpline on 1800-722-6688.

Those with information about such scams can contact the police on 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. - The Straits Times/ANN