Man arrested for serial cheating

SINGAPORE - The police have arrested a 54 year-old man on March 19 for suspected involvement in several cheating cases.

Between November and December last year, the police received reports of victims each handing over between $500 to $1,500 to an unknown man for the purchase of smart phones. After paying him, they were told to wait while he collected the ordered items. However, the man did not return and the victims eventually realised that they had been cheated.

Officers from Central Police Division investigated and conducted extensive enquiries. The suspect was arrested along Hougang Avenue 5 during an operation on March 19. Several mobile phone brochures used to trick victims were also found on him.

The suspect will be charged in the State Courts on March 21 for cheating. If convicted, he faces a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine. A court order will be sought to remand the suspect for further investigations.

minlee@sph.com.sg