Singapore, Malaysia Dismantle Illegal Betting Syndicate, 43 Arrested

In a joint transnational operation, Singapore and Malaysian police dismantled a criminal group linked to illegal remote betting. Channel News Asia reported that 43 individuals aged 34 to 82 were arrested.

Nine suspects will be charged on July 2nd under the Gambling Control Act, while investigations continue for the others, per a Singapore Police Force (SPF) news release.

Conducted from June 30th to July 1st, the operation involved simultaneous raids by SPF officers, resulting in the arrest of 37 men and two women. Concurrently, Malaysian police arrested four Singaporean men.

The SPF issued prohibition orders for seven properties worth 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 seized to prevent the disappearance of suspected criminal proceeds.

Electronic devices and gambling-related paraphernalia were also confiscated.

“The SPF will continue to work with our partners to detect and dismantle criminal syndicates wherever they choose to operate,” said Zhang Weihan, acting deputy commissioner of police (investigation and intelligence) and concurrent director of the Criminal Investigation Department.

Individuals convicted of running illegal betting operations as agents may face fines up to SG$200,000 ($147,288) and up to five years imprisonment.

Original Story by: AGB