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Police uncover over 1,160 scam cases in 2-week operation, over 350 people under probe

The scams - fake-friend call, investment, e-commerce, job, government official impersonation - amount to over $4 million in losses

Pile of money and masked scammer in front of laptop over green code background
Pile of money (left) and masked scammer in front of laptop over green code background (Photos: Getty Images)

SINGAPORE — Police have uncovered over 1,163 scam cases during a two-week operation from 25 February to Thursday (9 March), with over 350 people currently under investigation for suspected involvement in scams and money mule transactions.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a media release on Friday that 263 men and 94 women, aged between 16 and 75, are suspected to be involved in fake-friend call, investment, e-commerce, job, and government official impersonation scams amounting to over $4 million in losses.

They were caught during the islandwide operation conducted by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and the seven police land divisions.

They are being investigated for alleged offences of cheating, money laundering, or providing payment services without a licence.

Those found guilty of cheating can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined. Those convicted of money laundering can be jailed for up to 10 years and/or fined up to $500,000. Those convicted of providing payment services without a licence can be fined up to $125,000 and/or imprisoned for up to three years.

To avoid becoming accomplices to crimes, the police recommend that the public reject requests by others to use their bank accounts or mobile lines, as they will be held accountable if these are linked to crimes.

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Yahoo Singapore Telegram
Yahoo Singapore Telegram