A total of 159 men and 116 women, aged between 14 and 81, are currently assisting with investigations for their suspected involvement in scams, as scammers or money mules.

The police said in a news release on May 22 that officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and seven Police Land Divisions conducted a two-week operation between May 8 and 21, 2021 to round up these individuals.

The suspects are believed to be involved in 519 cases of scams, comprising mainly of Internet love scams, e-commerce scams, government officials impersonation scams, China officials impersonation scams, investment scams, job scams, sexual services scams, fake gambling platform scams, and loan scams.

Victims lost around S$7.9 million in total.

Don't be a money mule

The police said they take a serious stance against any person who may be involved in scams, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

To avoid being an accomplice to crimes, members of the public should always reject requests by others to use your bank account or mobile lines as you will be held accountable if these are linked to crimes.

Penalties

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

The offence of cheating carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.

The offence of money laundering carries a jail term not exceeding 10 years, a fine not exceeding S$500,000, or both.

The offence of carrying on a business of providing any type of payment service in Singapore without a licence carries a fine not exceeding $125,000, jail for a term not exceeding three years, or both.