In a joint transnational operation, Singapore and Malaysian police forces have foiled an organized criminal group believed to be behind illegal remote betting activities.
A total of 43 individuals between the ages of 34 and 82 were arrested for their suspected involvement, Channel News Asia reported.
Nine of the arrested individuals will be charged on July 2nd for offenses under the Gambling Control Act, while investigations against the remaining suspects are still ongoing, according to a news release from the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
The operation, conducted from June 30th to July 1st, saw SPF officers from various divisions carry out simultaneous raids at multiple locations, leading to the arrest of 37 men and two women. Concurrently, Malaysian police apprehended four Singaporean men.
As part of the enforcement action, the SPF issued prohibition of disposal orders for secen properties valued at over SG$10.7 million ($7.9 million). Cash, jewelry, luxury watches, and over 40 bank accounts totaling nearly SG$4 million ($2.9 million) were also seized for investigation and to prevent the suspected criminal proceeds from disappearing.
Electronic devices such as computers and mobile phones, as well as gambling-related paraphernalia, were taken by the police as case exhibits.
“The SPF will continue to work with our partners to detect and dismantle criminal syndicates wherever they choose to operate,” said acting deputy commissioner of police (investigation and intelligence) and concurrent director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Zhang Weihan.
Individuals convicted of conducting an unlawful betting operation as an agent may face a fine of up to SG$200,000 ($147,288) and up to five years imprisonment.
