Man, 66, who allegedly operated gambling dens in Geylang, arrested in M'sia after 4 years on the run

A 66-year-old man who absconded from Singapore after facing charges for allegedly operating gambling dens in Geylang was arrested in Malaysia after four years on the run.

According to a Mar. 14 release, the man was handed over to the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Feb. 28 with the help of Malaysian authorities.

Absconded after facing charges in 2021

The man, who is believed to be a leader of an organised crime group with links to Singapore, was first arrested as part of an SPF operation in October 2018.

He was one of 19 persons arrested in simultaneous raids conducted at more than ten locations island-wide, including Geylang, Sengkang, Bedok and Ang Mo Kio.

The group was suspected of being involved in operating illegal gambling dens along Lorong 14 and 16 Geylang.

The group apparently had a network of croupiers, assistants, and promoters, and lookouts deployed at strategic areas to detect police presence.

All 19 arrested were charged in court on Mar. 10, 2021 for offences under the Common Gaming House Act.

The man also faced additional charges for organised crime and drug offences.

Arrested after 4 years on the run

However, the man subsequently absconded from Singapore.

He did not appear in court for the charges on his alleged involvement in operating illegal gambling dens.

A warrant of arrest was issued by the State Courts against the man, but almost four years passed before a breakthrough was made.

On Feb. 13, SPF was alerted by Malaysian police that the man had been arrested in Malaysia for immigration offences, and fined RM3,000 (S$901).

With the assistance and cooperation of Malaysian authorities, the man was handed over to SPF on Feb. 28.

He was hauled to court on Mar. 1 to face his outstanding charges.

If found guilty of being a member of a locally-linked overseas crime group, the man could be fined up to S$100,000, jailed up to five years, or both.

Those convicted of being involved in operating an illegal gambling den can face fines of up to S$50,000 and a jail term of up to three years.

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