52 Singaporeans arrested in China over alleged pyramid scheme

Fifty-two Singaporeans in China's Guangxi province have been arrested and detained in relation to suspected pyramid scheme activities, said the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Singapore Police Force on Friday (Sept 4).

The arrests arise from a law enforcement operation by the Chinese authorities, who are continuing their investigations.

According to the joint statement on Friday, the Singapore police has contacted its Chinese counterparts to seek more information.

MFA said it has been engaging the Chinese authorities through the Singapore Embassy in Beijing and the Singapore Consulate-General in Guangzhou.

MFA officers overseas have conducted consular visits to all 52 Singaporeans to check on their well-being and provide consular assistance, and the ministry is also in contact with their next-of-kin.

"The Singapore Government does not intervene in foreign judicial systems, just as we expect foreign governments to respect our laws and legal process," it stated.

"MFA will continue to engage the Chinese authorities and provide consular assistance to the Singaporeans and their families. We will stress that due process should be accorded to the Singaporeans in accordance with Chinese law."

Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann said on Friday that she has met with family members of most of the detainees. 

"We're doing all we can to help them through an understandably difficult time," she said.

Sim, who is also Second Minister for Home Affairs, said Singaporeans travelling or living overseas should abide by the laws of the countries they are in.

"On behalf of the police, I wish to reiterate that Singaporeans should exercise caution when considering business or investment schemes, whether overseas or local," she urged.

"This is especially so for schemes involving the recruitment of participants, upfront payment of large sums of money, or promises of unusually high returns."

@asiaone Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann told the media on Friday (Sept 4) that she has met with family members of most of the 52 Singaporeans who were arrested and detained in China's Guangxi province over suspected pyramid scheme activities. #sgnews #Singapore #Police #China #Crime #Scam ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

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lim.kewei@asiaone.com