147 persons in S’pore investigated for alleged scam activities, more than S$150,000 seized

A total of 147 persons are under investigation for allegedly perpetrating government officials impersonation scams, investment scams and job scams.

They are being investigated for offences under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 (CDSA) and the Computer Misuse Act 1993 (CMA).

From Jun. 17 to 30, the Cyber Command’s Anti-Scam Centre (ASC) and Anti-Scam investigation units, in collaboration with seven land divisions, conducted an islandwide enforcement operation targeting these individuals.

In close partnership with local banks, ASC officers detected and froze 158 bank accounts allegedly linked to scam activities.

More than S$150,000 in suspected scam proceeds were seized.

During the operation, more than 140 individuals were investigated on suspicion of surrendering their bank accounts to facilitate money laundering.

In collaboration with key industry partners, including social media platforms, messaging-application providers and telecommunications companies, police took down 1,123 online enablers and disabled 370 phone lines that were apparently used to support scam operations.

Penalties

Assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct in certain circumstances carries a jail term of up to three years, a fine of up to S$50,000, or both.

Unauthorised access to computer material carries a jail term of up to two years, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both for first-time offenders.

If convicted, scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates will face mandatory caning of between six and 24 strokes.

Scam mules who enable scammers by laundering scam proceeds, providing SIM cards or SingPass credentials are liable to discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.

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

The police also advised members of the public to never allow others to use their SingPass credentials, bank accounts or mobile lines to facilitate suspicious or unlawful activities to avoid being an accomplice to criminal activities.

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.

Members of the public can call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in mule-related activities.

All information provided will be kept confidential.