Islandwide police operation nets 277 suspected scammers and money mules; victims lost $6.1m

Police are investigating 277 suspected scammers and money mules following a two-week islandwide enforcement operation linked to more than 883 scam cases in which victims reportedly lost about $6.1 million.

The suspects comprise 186 men and 91 women aged between 15 and 76. They are being investigated for offences including cheating, money laundering and providing payment services without a licence.

The scam cases mainly involved e-commerce scams, phishing scams, job scams, government official impersonation scams, investment scams and lucky draw scams.  

The offence of cheating in Singapore carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine, while that of money laundering under corruption, drug trafficking and other serious crimes carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. 

Scammers, members and recruiters of scam syndicates will face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, which can go up to 24 strokes.  

Scam mules who enable scammers by laundering scam proceeds, providing SIM cards and providing Singpass credentials will also face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.  

The police would like to remind members of the public that anyone who is found to be linked to such crimes will be held accountable and may face restrictions on banking services and mobile line subscriptions. 

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

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