A total of 13 individuals were arrested and charged in Singapore after a recent operation at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) casino for allegedly offering unlicensed services, including the buying and selling of casino chips to patrons.
According to the Straits Times, the 13 individuals, all Chinese nationals, were formally charged on September 7th with providing illegal payment services.
The police also reported on September 6th that 24 individuals, aged between 27 and 58, are under investigation in connection with the operation, which took place on September 5th and 6th.
The operation was led by Singapore’s Central Police Division, with support from officers of the Criminal Investigation Department, the Commercial Affairs Department, and Marina Bay Sands’ staff.
Some 17 men and seven women are under investigation, suspected of providing unlicensed services, including foreign currency exchanges and remittances.
Police stated that the raid resulted in the seizure of over SG$190,000 (US$145,572) in casino chips and cash, along with several electronic devices.
Court documents allege that the suspects unlawfully offered exchanges between Singapore currency and Chinese Yuan.
If convicted of operating a payment services business without a license, they could face a fine of up to SG$125,000 ($95,709), a prison sentence of up to three years, or both.
