Over 1.9 million dollars confiscated during police action aimed at capturing scam operations; 9 individuals apprehended
In Singapore, a joint operation between the Anti-Scam Command (ASC) and various authorities resulted in the seizure of approximately $1.9 million suspected to be scam proceeds. This operation, which ran from April 15 to May 13, aimed at combating government official impersonation, investment, and job scams.
Over 400 bank accounts associated with the scams were frozen during the operation. Teams from the ASC, police land divisions’ Scam Strike teams, and participating local banks collaborated on this islands-wide initiative. Raids were conducted to locate individuals suspected of aiding scammers in money laundering activities.
Nine people, aged between 18 and 33, were arrested during the operation, with another 33 under investigation. These individuals are believed to be involved in over 200 cases of scams. Furthermore, the operation disrupted over 900 online enablers and terminated more than 806 phone lines used in these scams.
Police investigations continue as the public is reminded to be cautious of requests to use their SingPass credentials, bank accounts, or mobile lines. Those found guilty of aiding others to retain benefits from criminal activities may face imprisonment, fines, or both. Similarly, unauthorized access to computer material carries penalties such as imprisonment and fines.
For more information on scams, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg, or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799. Further details about the penalties associated with money laundering and unauthorized access to computer material can be found in the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 and the Computer Misuse Act.
The frozen bank accounts were primarily linked to financial activities related to the scams, as part of the general-news event involving the Anti-Scam Command (ASC) and other authorities in Singapore. In this operation, which falls under the category of crime-and-justice, raids were performed to investigate individuals suspected of aiding money laundering associated with online scams.
