In a significant crackdown on scams, more than 850 individuals are currently under investigation following a joint operation between the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP). This month-long effort aimed to dismantle sophisticated scam syndicates across borders.
Joint Operation Yields Promising Results
The operation, which took place from 10 February to 9 March 2024, has uncovered over 2,700 scam cases with alleged losses exceeding $8.1 million. The scams primarily include government official impersonation, investment schemes, rental frauds, and internet love scams.
Key Findings and Arrests
- The police froze over 3,400 bank accounts related to scam activities, seizing more than $2 million.
- Among those arrested was a 34-year-old man believed to be managing a group impersonating police officers in scam operations.
- In a separate case, a woman lost over $130,000 to a scammer she met on an online dating platform.
Ongoing Investigations in Singapore
In another operation from 7 March to 20 March 2024, 241 individuals aged between 16 and 75 were investigated in Singapore for their roles in over 900 scam cases. These operations revealed that victims had suffered losses amounting to more than $8.2 million.
Legal Consequences for Scammers
The penalties for those found guilty of cheating can be severe:
- Cheating: Up to 10 years in jail or a fine, or both.
- Money laundering: Jail terms of up to 10 years and fines up to $500,000.
- Unlicensed payment services: Fines of up to $125,000 or imprisonment of up to three years.
Importance of Collaborative Efforts
David Chew, director of SPF’s Commercial Affairs Department, emphasised the necessity of close cooperation between Singaporean and Malaysian authorities. He remarked, “As transnational scam syndicates become increasingly sophisticated, it’s crucial that we stay ahead of their tactics with the help of our international partners.” This collaboration is part of Project Frontier+, initiated in October 2024, which focuses on information sharing and quick responses to combat scams.
Scam Statistics
Last year, scammers in Singapore inflicted a record loss of $1.1 billion on victims, with cryptocurrency scams accounting for a significant portion of these losses—a stark increase from previous years.
As these criminal activities evolve, ongoing public awareness is essential. Authorities encourage citizens to reject requests for using personal bank accounts for unknown parties to avoid facilitating criminal activities.