Suspected illegal gambling activities including mahjong uncovered in Boon Lay house

Police officers found 11 men and six women, aged between 17 and 70, in the unit.

Alfie Kwa | May 18, 2021, 11:08 AM

The Police are investigating 17 people for their suspected involvement in illegal gambling and breaching of safe distancing measures after receiving a report of a large number of people gathering inside a residential unit along Boon Lay Place.

On May. 16, police officers found 11 men and six women, aged between 17 and 70, gathered and engaged in gambling-related activities inside the unit.

A 62-year-old man is being investigated for his suspected involvement in operating a common gaming house and the remaining 16 persons are being investigated for allegedly gaming in said common gaming house.

The 17 people will also be investigated for breaching safe distancing measures under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.

Image via Singapore Police Force

Gambling-related paraphernalia in the residential unit have been seized as case exhibits.

The investigations are still ongoing.

Penalties for suspected activities

The offence for gaming in a common gaming house is punishable with a fine up to S$5,000, imprisonment for a term of up to six months, or both.

The offence for managing a place used as a common gaming house carries a fine between S$5,000 to S$50,000 and an imprisonment term of up to three years.

For not complying with safe distancing measures, individuals may face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment for a term up to six months, or both.

The Police added that they take a serious view of all forms of illegal gambling activities, and offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Members of the public are also advised to take the prevailing safe distancing measures seriously.

Top image via Singapore Police Force.