Man arrested for 'SEA Games' employment scam

SINGAPORE - Police have arrested a 38-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a "SEA Games" employment scam involving more than 50 victims.

Police received a report on May 18 stating that more than 50 individuals turned up at a company to report for training, only to discover that they had fallen prey to an employment scam.

The victims had responded to advertisements posted on Facebook by the suspect, purporting to offer jobs for the upcoming SEA Games. The suspect then interviewed victims for the said jobs at various locations in Singapore.

Following the interview, the suspect collected $35 for training fees and event uniform from each victim. He then requested each of them to attend a compulsory three-day training at a company in New Bridge Road.

When the incident was reported, officers from Central Police Division and Marine Parade Neighborhood Centre carried out extensive follow-up investigations, leading to the arrest of the suspect at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 on May 21 at 10.50pm.

A notebook, mobile phones and an iPad were seized as case exhibits as well.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is also believed to be involved in two other theft cases committed in Marine Parade and Serangoon Central.

If charged, the suspect may face a maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment and fine.

Police would like to remind the public to be wary of such scams. If in doubt, they should seek verification with related authorities, recruitment agencies or main event organizers.

spanaech@sph.com.sg